Maslow and the
hierarchy of needs
Abraham Maslow was born in 1908 and
died in 1907. He was an American psychologist, who’s great contribution to
motivation theory was the ‘hierarchy of needs’. He believed that everyone had
some needs, all of which can be organised as hierarchy. He stated that when a
person raises the steps of the pyramid he reaches self actualisation. At the
base of the pyramid is the physical needs such as food and shelter, if these
are unsatisfied, these are the individual’s primary motivation. He also said
that, when employees earn enough to satisfy these needs, there motivation fades
away (‘it is quiet true that human live by bread alone-when there is no bread.
But what happens to their desire when there is bread?’). Instead of physical
needs, people become motivated to achieve safety needs such as security and
stability.
Maslow’s level of human needs
1. Physical needs, e.g. food, shelter warmth etc.
2. Safety needs, e.g. security, a safe structured environment, stability etc. 3. Social needs, e.g. belonging, friendship, contact etc. 4. Esteem needs, e.g. strength, self-respect, confidence etc. 5. Self-actualisation, e.g. self fulfilment; ‘to become everything that everyone is capable of becoming,’ wrote Maslow. |
Business implication
1. Pay levels and working condition.
2. Job security, a clear job role/description, clear line of accountability (only the boss). 3. Team working, communication, social facilities. 4. Status, recognition for achievement, power, trust. 5. Scope to develop new skills and meet new challenges, and to develop one’s full potential. |