Motivation of Maslow
This section will look at those motivations and examine some theories to help us understand and explain them in more depth. Then we can start to apply them in setting up a new venture.
Maslow
Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) is considered to be the father of motivation theory. His theories are still held in great esteem and form the basis of any study into the working of human motivation.
His most famous theory revolves around the concept that there is a hierarchy of needs which are common to all people. The manifestations of these needs will differ depending upon culture or age but in essence will remain with us throughout our lives.
The hierarchy moves from the basic needs of any living creature up to higher level needs which would only be found in more sentient beings such as humans.
Motivation can be considered the basis for all study into any workplace situation including self-employment and is not just the remit of large organisations.
In small businesses the motivation and commitment of the staff can be more important where everyone's efforts have a large effect on the overall productivity and success of the organisation.
First-level needs
These are classed as 'physiological' and include such basics as light, correct temperature, food and water. These are things without which we would not survive for long.
The degree to which we need them will differ in each individual. What might satisfy one person would not necessarily satisfy the next.
Maslow's first hierarchy - Physiological
Second-level needs
These are classed as 'safety' and include the need to feel secure in one's environment. Fundamentally, this would mean that you were not in fear of your life as, say, in a war zone; however, in normal conditions such as in the workplace this would mainly be about health and safety matters.
Examples would be "Will my chair collapse at any minute?", "Is this building safe and structurally sound?", 'Have adequate fire
Maslow
Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) is considered to be the father of motivation theory. His theories are still held in great esteem and form the basis of any study into the working of human motivation.
His most famous theory revolves around the concept that there is a hierarchy of needs which are common to all people. The manifestations of these needs will differ depending upon culture or age but in essence will remain with us throughout our lives.
The hierarchy moves from the basic needs of any living creature up to higher level needs which would only be found in more sentient beings such as humans.
Motivation can be considered the basis for all study into any workplace situation including self-employment and is not just the remit of large organisations.
In small businesses the motivation and commitment of the staff can be more important where everyone's efforts have a large effect on the overall productivity and success of the organisation.
First-level needs
These are classed as 'physiological' and include such basics as light, correct temperature, food and water. These are things without which we would not survive for long.
The degree to which we need them will differ in each individual. What might satisfy one person would not necessarily satisfy the next.
Maslow's first hierarchy - Physiological
Second-level needs
These are classed as 'safety' and include the need to feel secure in one's environment. Fundamentally, this would mean that you were not in fear of your life as, say, in a war zone; however, in normal conditions such as in the workplace this would mainly be about health and safety matters.
Examples would be "Will my chair collapse at any minute?", "Is this building safe and structurally sound?", 'Have adequate fire