Question

• There are many different Motivation theories. The ERG Theory of Motivation is a simplified but more flexible version of Maslow's hierarchy of Needs.
• Please Relate the ERG Theory to the 5 levels of Maslow.
• Describe how you can apply any of them to your organization.
• 2 Pages

Answer 1

As per below image for pictorial representation of both motivation theories.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

As shown in the attached figure left side, theory was explained in five levels.

Each individual will work to satisfy his each level of needs.

Physiological includes breathing,food,water,sleep,sex etc...

Safety needs includes security of body, employment,resources,morality family etc...

Social needs includes friendship,intimacy, family

Esteem needs are respect by others, achievemts.

Self Actualization are morality,lack of prejudice.

Alderfer's ERG Motivation Theory

This theory is smiplification of MAslow's theory into three steps as below.

1. Existence: These are basic material needs. In simple words, it includes individual's physiological and physical safy needs.

2. Relatedness: These includes individual's aspirations to maintaining significant interpersonal relationships, getting name & fame in society. These are similar to the Maslow's Level 3 & $.

3. Growth : These includes personal growth and self-development,This one is similar to the Maslow's self-actualization.

Relatedness between Maslow's Hierarchy of needs and Alderfer's ERG Theory.

1. Both the Theories are based on Human motivation how it affects behavior.

2. These theories are hierarchical frame work with basic needs at bottom and luxuries one at top level.

Which one suits to organization

ERG is the one best motivation theory suits for the modern organizations, reasons are below.

1. ERG theory staes that at a given point, more than one need may be operational, where as in Maslow theory after completing one need only second one will come which is not correct.

2. As per Maslow theory an individual will remain in same level till he satisfied, where as in ERG an individual will be try get more satisfaction in lower level, if higher-level need aggravates.

3.Maslow need hierarchy is rigid as it assumes that the needs follow a specific hierarchy and unless a lower-level need is satisfied, an individual cannot proceed to the higher-level need.

One has to remember that each individual has different needs at a fixed time point.

Which was not acceptable by the maslow's theory.so ERG will be the best motivation theory for organizations.