Professor or manager? A model of motivational orientations applied to preferred career paths

Integrating Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory, McClelland's acquired needs theory, and more fine-grained indicators of work-related tasks, we (a) investigated the possible co-existence of global and specific motivational factors based on a new instrument and (b) used them to predict the goals of becoming a professor or a manager. We collected data from more than 3000 doctoral students and doctorate holders from the STEM fields at five measurement points. Bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling confirmed a hierarchical taxonomy. Both career goals were predicted by global and specific motives. Strong needs for power, income and leadership predicted aspirations to a management career. Motivational factors predicting the professorship goal were strong needs for competence, autonomy, and creativity, and low interest in income.