Needs Hierarchy Theory of Motivation
a. One of the most widely mentioned theories of motivation is the hierarchy of needs theory put forth by psychologist Abraham Maslow. He was known for establishing the theory of a hierarchy, writing that the needs of human beings can act as motivators when those very needs remain unsatisfied. In order to address a need of a higher level, the immediate lower level of need must be satisfied initially. Maslow’s studied extensively exemplary people like Einstein, Roosevelt rather than mentally ill or neurotic people. This was in itself a radical deviation from the popular schools of psychology of his day, Freud and Skinner who saw little difference between animalistic and humane motivations.
Maslow 's hierarchy of needs was an alternative to the depressing determinism of Freud and Skinner. He felt that people are basically trustworthy, self-protecting, and self-governing. Humans tend toward growth and love. Although there is a continuous cycle of human wars, murder, deceit, etc., he believed that violence is not what human nature is meant to be like. Violence and other evils occur when human needs are thwarted. In other words, people who are deprived of lower needs such as safety may defend themselves by violent means.
The basic human needs placed by Maslow in an ascending order of importance are shown below
1. Physiological Needs – Physiological needs are the very basic needs such as air, water, food, sleep, sex etc for sustaining life. When these are not satisfied we may feel sickness, irritation, pain discomfort. These feelings motivate us to alleviate them as soon as possible to establish homeostasis, once they are alleviated however we proceed to think of other thing. Maslow therefore took the position that until these needs are satisfied to the degree necessary to maintain life, other needs will not motivate people.
2. Security/Safety Needs – These are the needs to be free of physical danger and the fear of losing a job, property, food or shelter.
Maslow 's hierarchy of needs was an alternative to the depressing determinism of Freud and Skinner. He felt that people are basically trustworthy, self-protecting, and self-governing. Humans tend toward growth and love. Although there is a continuous cycle of human wars, murder, deceit, etc., he believed that violence is not what human nature is meant to be like. Violence and other evils occur when human needs are thwarted. In other words, people who are deprived of lower needs such as safety may defend themselves by violent means.
The basic human needs placed by Maslow in an ascending order of importance are shown below
1. Physiological Needs – Physiological needs are the very basic needs such as air, water, food, sleep, sex etc for sustaining life. When these are not satisfied we may feel sickness, irritation, pain discomfort. These feelings motivate us to alleviate them as soon as possible to establish homeostasis, once they are alleviated however we proceed to think of other thing. Maslow therefore took the position that until these needs are satisfied to the degree necessary to maintain life, other needs will not motivate people.
2. Security/Safety Needs – These are the needs to be free of physical danger and the fear of losing a job, property, food or shelter.