Question

Explain Maslow’s theory. 

Explain Maslow's hierarchy of human needs.

Discuss Maslow's theory of motivation.

“Maslow's need hierarchy is considered fundamental to understanding of motivation”. Explain the role of need hierarchy in motivation.

Answer 1

Maslow Theory: Abraham H. Maslow, an American psychologist has developed a classification of human needs which is known as the ‘Hierarchy of Needs’. Needs are those desires, wants or urges of individuals which influence their behavior.

Types of Needs:

1. Physiological Needs: These are the basic needs that a person is required to satisfy first of all in order to survive in life. These include the need for air. water, food, sleep, sex, etc. As these needs are concerned with the sheer survival, they are at the base in the hierarchy of needs. An organization can satisfy the physiological needs of its employees by offering a good salary and comfortable working conditions.
2. Safety and Security Needs: These needs arise after the satisfaction of physiological needs. These include physical safety against danger and economic security against old age, sickness, etc. An employer can satisfy the safety needs of his employees by offering job security, pension, gratuity, housing, etc.
3. Social and Affiliation Needs: These are related to the natural desire to socialize or interact with others. The person needs love, affection, a sense of belonging, association, friendship with others. Once the people get their physiological and safety needs satisfied, the affiliation needs to become more active.
4. Ego Needs: Ego needs include factors like self-respect, autonomy status, recognition and attention from others. An organization can satisfy these needs by offering challenging jobs, recognizing good performance, providing good job titles, etc.
5. Self Actualization Needs: Self-actualization needs refer to need to grow and self-fulfillment. These needs arise after the satisfaction of all previous needs, i.e., physiological, safety, social, ego needs. For example, a manager may provide opportunities for continuous learning, encourage creativity, grant independence and allow risk-taking to help employees satisfy their self-actualization needs.

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, managers should identify their employees' needs to effectively motivate them. Some people reject Maslow's hierarchy of needs and propositions.