Need Hierarchy Theory

Through Maslow’s Need Hierarchy Theory, humans can develop an understanding of what motivates people, how to learn management techniques, and what drives personal development. The critical aspect of Maslow’s theory is creating an environment that is suitable for “employees to fulfill their own unique potential or self-actualization.” (Chapman, 2014) What motivates people? This theory suggest that humans are motivated by needs. The five stages developed in the theory will help understand how each need motivates humans to succeed. Maslow suggest that once the basic need is fulfilled people then move on to the next stage. I believe that in reality the pyramid does not work that way and is the needs are based on what a person finds rewarding or …show more content…
These are materialistic needs. They are cars, clothing, cosmetics, lifestyle services, and home improvements. Although this another form of approval, it is different than belongingness. In belongingness it has more to do with your personality and esteem needs are more to do with setting yourself apart from others through recognition. “Organizations introduce awards banquets to recognize distinguished achievements.” (Kaur, 2013) This is effective because people want to be known for their achievements and being the best. Awards act as a motivational tool for employees to excel in their workplace and raise standards amongst their colleagues. Lastly of the Needs Hierarchy pyramid is self-actualization. Some argue “only 2% of the population are self-actualizers” but maybe that is why it’s the last need on the pyramid because not all people are motivated by this need. (Chapman, 2014) Self-actualization is the point where one needs to become what their fullest potential is. The people who possess this trait to always want to reach their fullest potential are very valuable to organizations. This is because they will always push themselves to do more and challenge their …show more content…
It can also help determine what type of behaviors people engage in and by what they consider fun or by what they actually need. That is what sets peoples own pyramids. For instance a self-actualizer, which is the last need to be fulfilled in the hierarchy, will focus most of their time on self-actualizing. This is what they find rewarding. They can still be motivated to have the basic needs and socializing but that is not what drives them or motivates them to succeed. On the other hand a homeless persons main motivation will be the basic need of having shelter every night but could still be concerned with maintaining social relationships and how