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Maslow’s TheorySoko Antonio Kamara Department of Business Administration, University of the People BUS 5113: Organization Behavior Dr. Donna Pepper September 24, 2020Introduction This article presents a study of the Maslow’s theory. In this paper the theory will be presented supplemented by a discus...

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Maslow’s Theory

Soko Antonio Kamara Department of Business Administration, University of the People BUS 5113: Organization Behavior Dr. Donna Pepper September 24, 2020

Introduction This article presents a study of the Maslow’s theory. In this paper the theory will be presented supplemented by a discussion on how our understanding of personal and organizational needs and fulfillment has been improved. It will also discuss the criticisms of the theory. Then we will discuss the pyramid of the Maslow with a reflection on my current situation. The Maslow’s theory In 1943, American psychologist, Abraham Maslow, proposed the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in his paper “A Theory of Human Motivation”. The theory, which is a motivational theory, implies that when people are focused on fulfilling their basic needs, they reach higher order needs. (Wikipedia, 2020). Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a five-tier model of human needs, often portrayed as categorized levels within a pyramid. The theory suggests that needs lower down in the hierarchy must be satisfied before individuals can attend to needs higher up. (Mcleod, 2020). The most basic and fundamental four layers of the pyramid were referred to by Maslow as "deficiency needs": esteem, friendship and love, security, and physical needs. (Wikipedia, 2020). Our most important need, according to Maslow, is for physical survival, and that will be the first thing that motivates our behavior. The next step is what motivates us, and so on, until that level is reached. (Mcleod, 2020). At the bottom of the pyramid are the physiological needs, biological requirements for human survival, e.g. air, food, drink, shelter, clothing, warmth, sex, sleep. The body cannot function optimally without these. (Lumen Learning, n.d.).

Once physical needs are satisfied, the individual safety (security) takes precedence. Personal security, financial security, and health and well-being are all considered part of the security and safety needs. The first two levels of the pyramid are important to the physical survival of the individual. (Lumen Learning, n.d.). Once the physical needs of an individual have taken care of, the need to share and connect with others follow. This is the level of the social needs. An individual’s ability to form and maintain emotionally significant relationships, can be impacted by deficiencies (shunning, ostracizing) at this level. (Lumen Learning, n.d.). The fourth level is esteem. At this level, the normal human desire to be recognized for his success and status. He wants to be valued and validated by others and by himself. People tend to suffer low self-esteem and inferiority complex when there are imbalances at this level. At this level of the pyramid, self-actualization, people feel that they have reached their full potential and are doing everything they are capable of. This was described by Maslow as the desire to achieve everything that one can, which is to become the most that one can be. Maslow’s theory and our understanding of personal and organizational needs and satisfaction Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is relevant to organizational theory as each is concerned with human motivation. Understanding the needs of people and how those needs differ is a key part of effective management. For instance, though some people work primarily for money, they also like to feel respected by others and to have their good work appreciated (Wikipedia, 2020). Maslow’s theory suggests that the higher needs of an individual will be ignored if a lower need is not met (Lumen Learning, n.d.). For example, if an individual lack jobs security he will be far more concerned about his financial well-being and meeting lower needs such as paying rent, bills,

etc. On the other hand, if an individual has job security, meaningful relationships and commendation for good work may be more important motivators (Kammar, 2016). Criticisms of Maslow’s theory Though Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory receives lots of appreciation, the theory also has its fair share of criticism. Some of the key criticisms are mentioned below (Kammar, 2016): •

It has been proven that the theory lacks hierarchical structure, even though every person has some ordering for his need satisfaction. Some people will still strive for selfactualization, though they are deprived of their lower level needs.

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Direct cause and effect relationship are lacking between need and behavior. A need of a person may cause different type of behavior in another person.

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A person may not even be aware of their needs, which makes needs and satisfaction thereof a psychological feeling.

References Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Introduction to Business. Retrieved September 21, 2020, from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-introductiontobusiness/chapter/maslows-hierarchy-ofneeds/ Kammar, S. (2016, February 02). Maslow's Theory of Motivation: Merits and Criticisms. Retrieved September 21, 2020, from https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/employees/motivationemployees/maslows-theory-of-motivation-merits-and-criticisms/75363 Says:, L., Says:, L., Says:, M., & Says:, B. (2020, August 29). Challenging Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved September 21, 2020, from https://billbennett.co.nz/challengingmaslows-hierarchy-of-needs/

Wikipedia. (2020, September 13). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Retrieved September 21, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs...