Theories of Motivation (Maslow’s Theory of Hierarchy of needs)

The theory of hierarchy of needs is the most popular motivation theory forwarded by psychologist Abraham Maslow, in 1943. The theory views the human needs in the form of a hierarchy, ascending from the lowest to the highest, and once one set of needs is satisfied, this kind of need stops to be a motivator.

Maslow’s theory views the personal needs in the form of a hierarchy and the needs are the progressive principle of motivation. The basic needs are

1. Physiological needs
2. Safety Needs
3. Social Needs
4. Esteem Needs
5. Self-Actualization Needs

fig: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

1.       Physiological Needs: These are the basic human needs for sustaining the life itself, such as food, water, shelter, sleep, clothing, warmth etc. These are the lowest order needs and until these needs are satisfied to the degree necessary to maintain life, other needs will not motivate people. In an organization, salary satisfies the physiological needs of an individual.

2.       Security or Safety Needs: These are also the low order need and are the needs to be free of physical danger and the fear of losing a job, property, food, shelter, etc. These consists of needs for protection from physical and emotional harm. In an organization, provident fund, pension plans and health insurance satisfy the safety needs.

3.       Social Needs: Since people are social beings, they need to belong, and be accepted by others. These needs are also known as affiliation or acceptance needs and are high order needs. They consist the needs for affection, belongingness, friendship and social acceptance. In an organization, these needs are satisfied by informal groups, friends, clubs etc.

4.       Esteem Needs: Once people begin to satisfy their social needs, they want to be respected both by themselves and by others. This kind of need produces satisfactions like power, prestige, status and self-confidence. These needs can be for status, recognition, praise and pride. In an organization, position titles (Manager, HOD, CEO), posh and lavish office, luxury cars satisfy such needs.

5.       Self-Actualization Needs: These are the highest order needs and consists of needs for achievement, growth, self-development, creativity, talent utilization, and self-fulfillment. It is the desire to become what one is capable of becoming, to maximize one’s potential and to accomplish something. In organizations, higher authority may satisfy these needs by accepting challenging jobs, taking part in decision making, writing poems and biography etc.