Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Who was Abraham Maslow?

• An American psychologist (like Herzberg)

• 1943 published A Theory of Human Motivation

• People have five sets of needs, which come in a particular order

• Hugely influential (and still)

What is Maslow’s Theory of Motivation?

• Five levels of human needs which employees need to have fulfilled at work

• Only once a lower level of need has been fully met, would a worker be motivated by the opportunity of having the next need up in the hierarchy satisfied

• A business should therefore offer different incentives to workers in order to help them fulfil each need in turn and progress up the hierarchy of needs

What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

1. Psychological: Basic needs- e.g. food, shelter

2. Safety: Safe working environment; job security

3. Social: Feeling wanted, sense of belonging, part of a team

4. Esteem: Self-respect, level of status

5. Self-actualisation: Intellectual needs, fulfilling potential, achieving targets

How is the Hierarchy of Needs link with Motivation at Work?

1. Physiological: Acceptable pay and working conditions

2. Safety: Job security, Clear Job Role and Description, Health and Safety protection, Insurance

3. Social: Working in a team, Social facilities, Mentoring and Coaching

4. Esteem: Status (Job Title), Authprity, Trust, Recognition of Achievements

5. Self-Actualisation: Promotion opportunities, Challenging work, Job Enrichment

What are the criticisms of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

• Not everyone has the same needs

• Our perception of what is important at work will vary

• Not realistic that most employees will reach the top of the hierarchy