What term refers to the desires and needs that drive an individual to achieve specific outcomes?

The term that refers to the desires and needs driving an individual to achieve specific outcomes is motivation. Motivation is a fundamental concept in psychology and business that explains the energy and direction behind behavior. It encompasses both intrinsic factors, like personal fulfillment and satisfaction, and extrinsic factors, such as rewards and recognition.

When examining motivation, it's clear that it is the driving force that compels individuals to act and pursue goals. For example, an individual motivated to advance in their career will exhibit behaviors aligned with that desire, such as seeking additional training, networking with others, or putting in extra effort at work. Understanding motivation is critical in various contexts, including management, marketing, and personal development, as it assists in predicting behaviors and designing interventions to enhance performance or satisfaction.

The other choices involve related concepts but do not encapsulate the same idea as effectively. Goals refer specifically to the specific objectives individuals aim to achieve, expectations relate to beliefs about future events, and ambitions are more about aspirations and desires but do not necessarily imply the underlying drive that is central to motivation.