Maslow’s
need hierarchy theory
All human behavior is directed towards fulfilling their
needs. Abhram Maslow’s needs hierarchy theory is based upon the needs of human
beings. According to this theory, each and every people have certain needs. In response
to that need, s/he is motivated to do work. Human needs have hierarchy. That’s
why to motivate any people to work. The need of that person should be fulfilled
according to hierarchy because as one need of that person is satisfied, another
need will be created respectively. The needs have been classified in a
hierarchy as follows:
· Physiological needs: These needs are fundamental or basic
need of human being such as food, water, clothes, shelter etc. Without these
needs human being cannot survive. Therefore, these needs are necessary to
operate the human life. In organization, the manager can provide the adequate
lighting, comfortable temperatures and ventilation etc to motivate the
employees at first. These are the lowest order needs and assume top priority
· Safety/ security needs: An individual wants to be free from
the fear of losing job, food, shelter etc which is known as safety or security
needs. It is second important need because after fulfilling physiological need
people want the safety and security needs. These needs may be job security, old
age provision, pension plans, insurance, security from risk etc
· Social needs: It is the third hierarchy of needs
which comes after fulfilling safety or security needs. Man is social in nature. Therefore, human
beings always want to live in society or group which loves him/her the most. These
needs include love, affection, friendship, social acceptance etc. So a manager
can initiate participation of the employees as part of association to motivate
the people.
· Esteem/ego needs: After fulfilling the social needs of
people, they now want esteem needs by which they can have some special and unique
place or status for him/her. They want to be prestigious and respected which is
known as esteem or ego need. It is the second last need of Maslow’s need
hierarchy theory. This need includes self confident, self respect, prestige,
power, status, job title etc. So s/he wants to be strong and want to have
immense power from which s/he can get self satisfaction. A manager can provide
the attractive job position to employees to fulfill esteem or ego needs.
· Self-actualization needs: Maslow said that self actualization
is the last and highest need in his hierarchy. After all needs are fulfilled
especially including esteem/ego needs they now want or desire to help others.
It is maximization of one’s potential. In this need people want to be satisfied
in their desire. It includes challenging
jobs, creativity, risk bearing capacity etc.
