Question

Kavya is working in a company on the permanent basis. As per the job agreement she had to work for 8 hours a day and was free to work overtime. Kavya worked overtime. But even after working for long hours and putting in her best efforts, no recognition was given to her by her boss. Due to overtime she fell ill and had to take leave from her work. No one showed concern and enquired about her health. She realised that she was fulfilling only some of her needs while some other needs still remained to be fulfilled.

1. Identify and explain the needs of Kavya discussed in the above para, by quoting the lines.
2. Also explain two other needs of Kavya followed by the above needs, which still remained to be satisfied

Answer 1

1.

a. Physiological Needs:

Quoted Line: “Due to overtime, she fell ill and had to take leave from her work.”

Explanation: Physiological needs form the base of Maslow’s hierarchy and relate to basic survival requirements, including food, water, shelter, and bodily health. When Kavya fell ill due to exhaustion, her basic physical health, a fundamental physiological need, was compromised.

b. Safety and Security Needs:

Quoted Line: “Kavya is working in a company on a permanent basis.” (or alternatively reflecting her vulnerability during illness: “No one showed concern and enquired about her health.”)

Explanation: Safety needs involve physical safety, job security, and protection against deprivation or health hazards. While she had job security through permanent employment, the lack of support and care during her illness highlighted an absence of security and protection in her work environment.

c. Esteem Needs:

Quoted Line: “...no recognition was given to her by her boss.”

Explanation: Esteem needs involve self-respect, autonomy, status, recognition, and appreciation from others. By putting in her best efforts during long hours without receiving any acknowledgement or praise from her boss, her ego and esteem needs were left unfulfilled.

2. Two Other Needs Followed by the Above Needs

According to Maslow’s hierarchy, once physiological, safety, and esteem needs are considered, the remaining higher-order needs that follow are:

1. Social Needs (Affiliation/Belongingness Needs): These needs relate to affection, sense of belonging, acceptance, and friendship among colleagues. In Kavya’s case, when she fell ill and no one showed concern or enquired about her health, her social and belongingness needs within the workplace were completely unmet.
2. Self-Actualization Needs: Situated at the peak of Maslow’s hierarchy, self-actualization refers to the desire to maximize one’s potential, achieve personal growth, and realize one’s full creative and professional capabilities. Because her foundational, esteem, and social needs were stifled by overwork and a lack of recognition, her journey toward self-fulfilment remained blocked.