Question

“Maslow's hierarchy of needs does not provide a complete solution to the complex problem of motivating people.” Explain.

Answer 1

Maslow’s five-level hierarchy of needs offers a useful model for understanding human motivation, but it has several limitations:

1. Human needs do not always follow the exact order outlined by Maslow. For example, some individuals may prioritise esteem (like respect or recognition) over safety or job security
2. People often aim to fulfill multiple types of needs simultaneously rather than in a strict sequence.
3. The same need can result in different behaviours across different individuals.
4. A person’s priority of needs can shift over time, making it hard to predict motivation since needs constantly evolve and change.