Maslow Theory

Maslow’s Theory of Human Needs

Maslow’s theory of human needs is represented by the hierarchy system that displays a person’s needs that are required to be met for a human to live a fulfilling life. Human needs include four steps:

• physiological needs
• Safety
• Love and belonging
• Esteem

Maslow’s theory of human needs excludes the last step which is self-actualisation. As the final step represents humans reaching their full potential. This step is not achieved by all human beings as achievement of this step is equal to achieving their ideal self. Therefore, it is excluded from the theory of human needs.

Maslow's Theory of Self-Actualization

Self-actualisation is the final and highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. The final stage can only be achieved if all the previous four steps are achieved. As the final stage represents when humans realise their potential and once this step is achieved people can achieve their ‘ideal self’.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Maslow’s Motivation Theory

Maslow’s motivation theory encounters both strengths and weaknesses. The key strengths and weaknesses will be identified in this section.

Advantages of Maslow's hierarchy of needs

The main advantages of Maslow's hierarchy of needs are:

• it's simple to understand

• it acknowledges human nature

• it's relevant in all fields

Let go through each strength one by one.

Simple to understand - Theory is simply presented and very easy to understand. The majority of individuals will be able to emphasise Maslow’s theory. For example, the low-skilled labour’s concern will be to achieve basic needs such as food, shelter and being safe. While the company executive will be mostly focused on achieving the self-actualisation ladder to attain their true potential.

Acknowledges human nature - Maslow’s theory represents true human nature. As it is human nature that people are always demanding more in terms of seeking to achieve higher needs once the bottom ones are achieved. For example, once basic needs are satisfied such as food, shelter and job security. Humans demand more such as having social relationships, respect and fulfilment of their potential.

Relevant in all fields - This theory is relevant to the majority of fields. Humans’ priority is to find a way how they can make enough money to buy food. After that comes safety, job security and social needs to meet friends and family.

Disadvantages of Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Maslow's hierarchy of needs has two key disadvantages:

• Maslow’s theory ignores humans’ different cultural and social backgrounds - Therefore, priorities can differ from person to person. For example, some people may value socialising with friends and family more than safety. As well as people may prioritise being respected by society than safety. For example, the family may buy expensive cars and houses to show off to society and gain respect from others than buying insurance safety plans for the family.

• Fails to take into account that individuals may be motivated by intrinsic rewards - Maslow’s theory fails to acknowledge that humans may be motivated by intrinsic rewards such as reaching monetary accomplishments rather than self-actualisation.

Cannot be measured empirically - There is no quantitive measure to calculate to what extent individuals are satisfied with each level before they can aim to attain the next level.

Herzberg's theory of motivation and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory

Firstly, Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory consists of both motivation and hygiene factors. The motivation factors are implemented to employees to engage and motivate them towards work. While hygiene factors are essential and employees expect to receive them in every workplace.