Maslow's Hierachy of 5 needs

Abraham Maslow between 1943-1954 developed his 'Hierarchy of needs' motivation theory. It is probably the most popular and most read motivation theory. His theory suggests that within each person their is a hierarchy of needs and the individual must satisfy each level before they move onto the next. There are five hierarchical levels. These are:

1. Physiological needs: Food, shelter, sexual satisfaction i.e those needs needed for basic survival.


2. Safety needs: The need to feel safe within your environment. Also refers to emotional and physical safety.


3. Social Needs: The need for love, friendship and belongingness


4. Esteem needs: The need for self respect, status and recognition from others.


5. Self actualisation: The point of reaching ones full potential. Are you capable at excelling yourself?
   

So an individual will need to satisfy their most basic need before they can move onto the next. Only when that individual knows that they have met their physiological needs will they move onto their safety needs. Maslow suggests that if you wanted to motivate an individual you will need to know where within the hierarchy they are placed. So how would an organisation use Maslows theory?

There are however problems with Maslows theory. Firstly it is difficult to tell at what level a person is at within their hierarchy and when that level has been satisfied. Also there is little statistical evidence to prove that this theory actually works. Neverless, it is popular and does have some weight behind it.

Application of Maslow's theory within the workplace.