Question

In 1943, psychologist Abraham Maslow wrote a paper, “A Theory of Human Motivation,” which explained how drive and motivation are correlated to the understanding of human needs and behavior. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a motivational theory that proposes that while people aim to meet their basic needs, they aspire to attain higher order needs in the form of a pyramid. This idea is shown in his presentation below:

J. Finkelstein [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Research Maslow’s Theory and address the following:

1. In brief, describe the theory and how it has increased our understanding of personal and organizational needs and satisfaction. What are the criticisms of the theory?
   
2. Examine the pyramid and reflect on your current situation. Are your motivations dictated by your current needs? Explain.

Answer 1

Many eminent psychologist have propounded different motivational theories in order to facilitate the understanding about motivational phenomenon. One of the most widely applied theory of motivation inpin is the maslow need hierarchy theory which is considered fundamental to understanding of motivation.

The theory is based on certain assumptions:

1. The behaviour of people is based on their needs. Satisfaction of such needs influence their behaviour.

2. people's names are in hierarchical order starting from basic needs to other higher level needs .

3. A satisfied need can no longer motivate a person.

4. Possum move to the next higher level of hierarchy only when the lower need satisfied.

This theory provides an insight into five different kinds of human needs which influence the process of motivation as described below.

1. Basic physiological news

It refers to the needs that are most basic in the hierarchy like hunger thirst shelter etc. this need of the employees can be fulfilled by basic salary increments etc.

2. Safety and security needs

it refers to the needs to get security and protection from physical and emotional harm. These needs indicate that people should be free free from fear threat, danger to life or property. Security need refers to physical security economic security and social security. Theseneeds of the employees can be fulfilled through installing fire extinguishers, job security ,stability of income, pension etc.

3. Affiliation/ belonging needs.

It refers to the needs that relate to affection, sense of acceptance and companionship, belongingness etc. Which are innate in every individual.

4. Esteem needs

it relates to self respect for oneself And The prestige your status of self in the eyes of others. Every organisation should give recognition, challenging jobs, promotion etc to the high achievers.

5. Self actualization needs

These needs are the desires to become everything one is capable of becoming. It reflect the inner desire of an individual for personal satisfaction.

CRITICISMS OF THE MASLOW'S NEED HIERARCHY THEORY

1. The need may not follow a definite hierarchical order. For example even if safety need is not satisfied, the social need may imerge.

2. The need priority model may not apply at all times.

3. The level of motivation may be permanently low for some people.

4. Maslow's definition of self actualization is difficult to test scientifically.