Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Self-actualisation needs

Need for personal growth and achieving full potential

How managers satisfy self-actualisation needs

Offer challenging work and share ownership in the business

Esteem needs

Need for self-respect and recognition from others

How managers satisfy esteem needs

Praise workers and give awards or promotions

Social needs

Need for friendship belonging love and acceptance

How managers satisfy social needs

Encourage teamwork and organise social events

Safety needs

Need for security health and protection from harm

How managers satisfy safety needs

Provide long-term contracts and health insurance

Physiological needs

Basic needs like food water shelter and air

How managers satisfy physiological needs

Provide higher pay and staff facilities like canteens

Starting point of Maslow’s hierarchy

Physiological needs

Motivation progression in Maslow’s theory

Once a need is satisfied the next level motivates behaviour

Manager’s role in motivation

Identify dominant employee needs to motivate effectively

Advantage of Maslow’s hierarchy

Helps managers understand different motivators beyond money

Limitation of Maslow’s hierarchy

Higher needs can sometimes be met before lower needs

Limitation of Maslow’s hierarchy

People can satisfy multiple needs at the same time