Self Actualization: Competence, Relatedness And Autonomy

Contrary to the statement that everyone in the world is unique, the concept of “self-actualization” proves that humans are innately similar in function. Although we as humans may do everyday tasks differently or we may react to certain situations in different manners, the way that we acquaint ourselves with society is all similar under the theory of self-actualization. Self-actualization embodies three basic human needs: competence, relatedness and autonomy. The need for competence can be described as a human’s desire to effectively participate and understand the society around them. As humans, we will strive to reach higher goals and we will challenge ourselves in order for us to feel more competent in our society. Through this, we are able …show more content…
In the article, things such as personal relationships and making decisions were described as lower motives and morals and advanced knowledge were described as higher motives. The study observed people from teenage years to adulthood carefully to see which type of motives each age embraced more than the other. I found it interesting and highly accurate that teenagers are more likely to embrace lower motives than higher. Teenagers and college aged students are typically concerned with being somewhat competent, but they are way more concerned with fitting in, having interpersonal relationships and making their own choices, regardless of what may be right or wrong. Adults and middle-aged people, however, were more concerned with being competent and getting involved in higher learning and groups within society, such as political groups and community outreach. This article made me realize that yes, humans do desire to competence, relatedness and autonomy but there seems to be different levels of each that are embraced more than others at different times in a human’s life. I think one of the most important things that I’ve taken from these two articles is that when associating yourselves with others whether it be your peers, your family or your coworkers, it’s important to realize what stage people may be at in their life …show more content…
Our first manager was in his forties and was very difficult to communicate with and relate to. He spoke to us on terms that were hard to understand, he lashed out at us in a hostile manner when we didn’t do things by the book and was never amused by our younger personalities. Our current manager is in his mid thirties and speaks to us on a relatable level, gives us much freedom in the work place to express ourselves how we please when we give tours to prospective buyers and creates an environment that is very professional yet comfortable for the staff, even though there’s a large age gap. I’m very thankful for the work environment that I am in currently because if it wasn’t for our change in management, I would’ve felt like my needs were not being met by my manager and my manager would’ve felt that his needs were not being met by his