Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

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)

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

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

The Hierarchy of Needs and 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), Authority, Trust, Recognition of Achievements

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

Some 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