Discuss Maslow’s Need Hierarchy theory of motivation.

Maslow’s Need Hierarchy theory provides an understanding of the complex phenomenon of motivation. According to Maslow, within each individual there exists a set of five needs that can be arranged in a hierarchy. Knowledge of these needs helps the manager in understanding the behaviour of employees. With identification of the needs of the employees, appropriate motivation can be provided to them.

Assumptions:

Maslow’s theory is based on the following assumptions.  

(i) People’s need influences their behaviour.

(ii) Needs of the individuals can be arranged in a hierarchical order.

(iii) An individual can move to a higher level need only when the lower level need in the hierarchy is satisfied.

(iv) Once a need is satisfied, an individual can be motivated only through the next higher level need.

Theory 

The following is the hierarchy of needs as given by Maslow.

(a) Physiological Needs: Such needs comprise of essential requirements for sustenance of life. They are at the top of the hierarchy. The fulfilment of these needs is necessary for survival. For example, food, clothing, shelter are physiological needs. An employee requires a certain basic salary for the satisfaction of these needs.

(b) Security Needs: These needs relate to physical and economic security and well-being. For example, an employee desires job security, income stability, etc.

(c) Belongingness Needs: Such needs comprise of the social needs of an individual such as affection, acceptance, companionship, etc. as every individual yearns for social acceptance and belongingness.

(d) Esteem Needs: These needs include such elements as respect, dignity, recognition, etc. as every individual wants to command respect and acknowledgement in the peer group.

(e) Self-Actualisation Needs: This need refers to achieving what one aims or aspires. It is the highest level need in hierarchy. For an employee such needs relate to growth, work satisfaction, etc.

Maslow’s theory is widely appreciated and is used as basis for motivation by the managers. However, sometimes it can happen that needs of an individual do not follow the exact order of hierarchy. Nevertheless, an understanding of the needs as given by Maslow helps the managers in practicing efficient motivation.

a. Physiological Needs: They are food, clothing, shelter etc. These are basic needs and any person would give its preference to these needs. Once these needs are satisfied he thinks of next level of needs. 

b. Safety needs: These needs are protection against danger, threat and need for job security. These needs will arise from an individual only when he is reasonably well satisfied with his physiological needs. 

c. Social needs: These needs include belongingness, association, acceptance, friendship, and love. They become important to an individual only after he is satisfied with physiological and safety needs. 

d. Esteem needs: These needs include self-esteem, recognition status, achievement etc. They dominate an individual only when he is reasonably satisfied with safety needs. 

e. Self-actualization needs: These needs arise only when an individual is reasonably satisfied with esteem needs. They include the need to realize one’s capabilities and potentials by achieving specific goals.