Theories of Motivation: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

In 1943 psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed the theory that behavior determined by a variety of needs. He organized these needs into five categories and then arranged the categories in a hierarchy. The most basic needs are at the bottom of this hierarchy and the more advanced needs are toward the top. In Maslow’s hierarchy, all of the requirements for basic survival – food, clothing, shelter, and the like – fall into the category of physiological needs. These basic needs must be satisfied before the person can consider higher-level needs such as safety needs, social needs (the need to give and receive love and to feel a sense of belonging), and esteem needs (the need for a sense of self-worth and integrity).

At the top of Maslow’s hierarchy is self-actualization – the need to become everything one can become. This need is also the most difficult to fulfill. Employees who reach this point work not only to make money or to impress others but also because the feel their work is worthwhile and satisfying in itself. Self-actualization needs partially explain why some people make radical career changes or strike out on their own as entrepreneurs.