Maslow's hierarchy of
needs
Maslow's theory
consisted of two parts:
(1)
The classification of human needs, and
(2)
Consideration of how the classes are related to each other
The
classes of needs were summarized by Maslow as follows:
How does the Hierarchy Work?
- A person starts at the bottom of the hierarchy
(pyramid) and will initially seek to satisfy basic needs (e.g. food, shelter)
- Once these physiological needs have been
satisfied, they are no longer a motivator. the individual moves up to the next
level
- Safety needs at work could include physical
safety (e.g. protective clothing) as well as protection against unemployment,
loss of income through sickness etc)
- Social needs recognize that most people want
to belong to a group. These would include the need for love and belonging (e.g.
working with colleague who support you at work, teamwork, communication)
- Esteem needs are about being given recognition
for a job well done. They reflect the fact that many people seek the esteem and
respect of others. A promotion at work might achieve this
- Self-actualization is about how people think
about themselves - this is often measured by the extent of success and/or challenge
at work
Problems with
the Maslow Model
There are several problems with the Maslow model
when real-life working practice is considered:
- Individual behaviour seems to respond to
several needs - not just one
- The same need (e.g. the need to interact
socially at work) may cause quite different behaviour in different individuals
- There is a problem in deciding when a level
has actually been "satisfied"
- The model ignores the often-observed behaviour
of individuals who tolerate low-pay for the promise of future benefits
Reference
Web Quest. Retrieved on April 14, 2013, from
http://www.tutor2u.net/business/people/motivation_theory_maslow.asp
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