I Think I Can! Does The Little Engine That Could Matter?

Early work by psychologist David McClelland regarding the childhood formation of the need to achieve in a country and later economic growth sought to solve one of the major economic development puzzles. One of McClelland's findings showed a relationship between the frequency of themes of achievement found in literature read by children and later economic development. Other researchers explored, denied, and buttressed the McClelland finding. Today, U.S. organizations are promoting early reading programs that include stories that emphasize achievement. Early evidence suggests the programs affect academic performance, but will they affect achievement? And will that achievement promote economic growth or stagnation? Institutions and their related incentives speak to these questions.