Maslow’s Need Hierarchy Theory
It is probably safe to say that the most well-known theory of motivation is Maslow’s need hierarchy theory. Maslow's theory is based on human needs. Drawing chiefly on his clinical experience, he classified all human needs into a hierarchical manner from the lower to the higher order.
In essence, he believed that once a given level of need is satisfied, it no longer serves to motivate a man. Then, the next higher level of need has to be activated to motivate the man. Maslow identified five levels in his need hierarchy as shown in the figure.
Physiological Needs
These needs are basic to human life and, hence, include food, clothing, shelter, air, water and necessities of life. These needs relate to the survival and maintenance of human life. They exert tremendous influence on human behaviour. These needs are to be met first at least partly before higher-level needs emerge. Once physiological needs are satisfied, they no longer motivate the man.
Safety Needs
After satisfying the physiological needs, the next needs felt are called safety and security needs. These needs find expression in such desires as economic security and protection from physical dangers. Meeting these needs requires more money and, hence, the individual is prompted to work more. Like physiological needs, these become inactive once they are satisfied.
Social Needs
Man is a social being. He is, therefore, interested in social interaction, companionship, belongingness, etc. It is this socializing and belongingness why individuals prefer to work in groups and especially older people go to work.
Esteem Needs
These needs refer to self-esteem and self-respect. They include such needs which indicate self-confidence, achievement, competence, knowledge and independence. The fulfilment of esteem needs leads to self-confidence, strength and the capability of being useful in the organization. However, the inability to fulfil these needs results in feelings of inferiority, weakness and helplessness.
Self-Actualisation Needs
This level represents the culmination of all the lower, intermediate, and higher needs of human beings. In other words, the final step under the need hierarchy model is the need for self-actualization. This refers to fulfilment.
The term self-actualization was coined by Kurt Goldstein and means to become actualized in what one is potentially good at. In effect, self-actualization is the person’s motivation to transform the perception of self into reality.
According to Maslow, human needs follow a definite sequence of domination. The second need does not arise until the first is reasonably satisfied, and the third need does not emerge until the first two needs have been reasonably satisfied and it goes on. The other side of the need hierarchy is that human needs are unlimited. However, Maslow’s need for hierarchy theory is not without its detractors.
The main criticisms of the theory include the following:
(i) The needs may or may not follow a definite hierarchical order. So to say, there may be overlapping in the need hierarchy. For example, even if safety needs are not satisfied, social needs may emerge.
(ii) The need priority model may not apply at all times in all places.
(iii) Research shows that man’s behaviour at any time is mostly guided by a multiplicity of behaviour. Hence, Maslow’s preposition that one need is satisfied at one time is also of doubtful validity.
(iv) In some people, the level of motivation may be permanently lower. For example, a person suffering from chronic unemployment may remain satisfied for the rest of his life if only he/she can get enough food.
Notwithstanding, Maslow’s need hierarchy theory has received wide recognition, particularly among practising managers. This can be attributed to the theory’s intuitive logic and ease to understand. One researcher came to the conclusion that intuitively strong theories die hard’.
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