Abstract: The sabbatical leave provides a platform for teachers to carry out scientific researches and academic activities independently. This paper describesthe sabbatical leave developmenthistory and the significance of implementation, and explores existing problems in the sabbatical leave construction and execution through investigating and interviewing university teachers and administrative staffs from universities in China. Based on the Achievement Need Theory of Mc Clelland, this paper summarizes the frame contentand motivators of the sabbatical leave, proposes countermeasures and suggestions correspondingly.