maslows

Motivation

The individual, internal process that drives people to apply individual effort over a sustained period of time.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's sequence of human needs in order of importance, containing five levels of needs.

He categorised these needs into a hierarchy, and argued people would work towards satisfying one level before being able to move onto another level.

levels of maslow’s hierarchy of needs

1. physiological needs

2. safety needs

3. social needs

4. esteem needs

5. self actualisation

Physiological needs

Basic requirements for human survival, such as food, water, and shelter.

Safety needs

Desires for protection from dangerous or threatening environments and job security.

Provide job security

Social needs

Desires for a sense of belonging and friendship among groups.

eg - include teamwork, involvement in decision-making.

Esteem needs

Desires to feel important, valuable, and respected.

eg - include additional responsibility, promotion or added status

Self-actualisation needs

Focused on intrinsic motivation, it involves encouraging personal growth and development in employees.

eg - include interesting and creative jobs or opportunities

Advantage of Maslow’s theory

• Allows management to develop an understanding of the specific needs of individual employees

• relatively simple to understand and will relate to most employees

Disadvantage of Maslow’s theory

• It is only a theory and is not supported by evidence, meaning the hierarchy may not apply to all employees

• a manager may struggle to identify what stage each individual is at, meaning its difficult to determine appropriate motivation strategies

How does each level of need motivate?

• each level acts as a source of motivation while it remains unsatisfied.

• once a level of need is satisfied, it is no longer a motivator