Which of the following describes a limitation of achievement motivation?

• A. It can sometimes result in excessive perfectionism
• B. It only applies to academic pursuits
• C. It is irrelevant to career success
• D. It discourages collaboration and teamwork

Answer: (A)

Achievement motivation refers to the drive to excel and succeed in various endeavors. One limitation of achievement motivation is that it can sometimes lead to excessive perfectionism. This perfectionism can manifest as an overwhelming desire to achieve flawless results and an inability to accept anything less than complete success. While striving for excellence is often beneficial, this intense focus on perfection can exceed beneficial levels, leading to stress, burnout, and dissatisfaction even after achieving goals.

In contrast to this, other options do not represent accurate limitations of achievement motivation. For example, achievement motivation is not confined to academic pursuits; it encompasses various areas such as sports, arts, and professional settings. Additionally, it is highly relevant to career success, as individuals with high achievement motivation tend to set, pursue, and accomplish ambitious career goals. Lastly, while strong individual achievement focus can sometimes overshadow group dynamics, it does not inherently discourage collaboration and teamwork, as individuals can leverage their drive to work toward shared goals with others. The distinction lies in how this motivation is channeled in interpersonal settings.