Final answer:
McClelland's theory and Maslow's theory differ in their focus and approach to motivation. McClelland's theory emphasizes specific needs, while Maslow's theory outlines a hierarchical structure of needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
McClelland's theory and Maslow's theory are both motivational theories, but they differ in their focus and approach. McClelland's theory, also known as the Need Theory, proposes that individuals are motivated by three primary needs: achievement, affiliation, and power. According to McClelland, the strength of these needs varies from person to person and influences their behavior.
In contrast, Maslow's theory, known as the Hierarchy of Needs, suggests that individuals are motivated by a hierarchical structure of needs. Maslow's hierarchy includes physiological needs, safety needs, love/belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. Maslow argued that individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before progressing to higher-level needs. Unlike McClelland's theory, which focuses on specific needs, Maslow's theory emphasizes the overall progression of needs.
In summary, McClelland's theory focuses on specific needs and their impact on motivation, while Maslow's theory outlines a hierarchical structure of needs that individuals strive to fulfill.