Maslows Hierarchy of Needs: Motivation
Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs was created to try and show what people need satisfying so that they can fulfil themselves at work. He came up with the following five steps which must be taken to reach self-actualisation. Number 1 must be met to move onto 2, number 2 must be met to move onto 3, and so on.
- Physiological – Breathing, food, water, sex, sleep, homoeostasis, excretion
- Safety – Security of: body, employment, resources, morality, the family, health, property
- Love and Belonging – Friendship, family, sexual intimacy
- Esteem – Self-esteem, confidence, achievement, respect of others, respect by others
- Self-actualisation – Morality, creativity, spontaneity, problem solving, lack of prejudice, acceptance of facts
Take a look at the diagram below to see the above in a pyramid style;
This hierarchy of needs came under some criticisms, mainly due it being too vague in explaining what people need to be motivated. As well as this many people think that certain aspects of the hierarchy should be further up, or further down, showing that the diagram made is very individualistic.
Modified Needs Hierarchy Model
To overcome these problems, Alderfer came up with his own version of the hierarchy. His ‘Modified Needs Hierarchy Model’ puts Maslow’s 5 levels into just 3, which are;
- Existence needs – Physiological and safety
- Relatedness needs – Love and belonging
- Growth needs – Potential and self esteem
He also made a point that one level didn’t need to be satisfied to reach the other, therefore catering for more peoples motivation needs.