Maslow’s theory of Motivation

Maslow’s theory of Motivation

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology proposed by Abraham Maslow in 1943. This theory is often portrayed in the shape of a pyramid with the largest, most fundamental needs at the bottom and the need for self actualization at the top. From the bottom, the first four levels of the pyramid contains “deficiency needs” such as physiological, safety, love/belonging and esteem needs. The basic needs must be met before the individual will strongly desire for the next level needs. For example, an individual will not expect safety needs until unless his physiological needs are met. He will not desire for love and belonging before the safety needs are met. Maslow also coined the term ‘meta motivation’ to describe the motivation of people who go beyond the scope of the basic needs and strive for constant betterment. If these “deficiency needs” are not met, the individual will feel anxious and tense.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Physiological needs

Physiological needs are the physical requirements for human survival. If these requirements are not met, the human body cannot function properly and will ultimately fail. Physiological needs are the first and basic need in the hierarchy. Without them, the other needs cannot follow up. Physiological needs include breathing, water, food, sleep, clothing, shelter and sex.

Safety needs

Once a person’s physiological needs are relatively satisfied, their safety needs take precedence and dominate behavior. For example in the absence of physical safety – due to war, natural disaster etc. – people may experience stress and tension. Safety and Security needs include personal security, emotional security, financial security, health and well being and safety needs against accidents/illness and their adverse impacts.

Love/Belonging

The third level of human needs is interpersonal and involves feelings of belongingness. Social Belonging needs include friendships, family and intimacy. Human beings need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance among social groups, regardless whether these groups are large or small. The example for large social groups may include clubs, religious groups, sports teams, gangs, etc and some small social connections include family members, intimate partners, mentors, colleagues, etc. Human beings need to love and be loved – both sexually and non-sexually – by others.

Self esteem

Self Esteem is a belief about one’s own worth based on an overall self evaluation. Esteem needs are ego needs or status needs which are related to getting recognition, status, importance, and respect from others in the society. All humans have a need to feel respected; this includes the need to have self esteem and self-respect. These activities give the person a sense of contribution or value. Deficiency in this level leads to low self esteem.

Self-actualization

Self actualization refers to an individual’s need to develop his or her potentialities: in other words, to do what he or she is capable of doing. It means a person’s motivation to reach his or her full potential.