Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

What is the Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs? What is the relation of a working environment and employee motivation with the Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

Abraham Maslow

The employee motivation is very important factor necessary for performance and goals achievement. Simply, employee that is not motivated will not bring the optimal output. Regardless of education, experience, training and compensation, without motivation the performance will not be at proper level. There are many ways to influence employee motivation. Still, the motivators are working in different levels.

For example, the money can be strong motivator, but only on the short run. Once the employee got a raise he/she will be motivated, but soon new salary level is not the source of motivation, due to adoption to a new level.

In order to understand the full scope of complexity of human motivation, Abraham Maslow developed theory of hierarchy of needs. This hierarchy of needs, also called Maslow's hierarchy of needs, or simply Maslow's theory, is trying to group the various motivators in different groups. These groups of hierarchy of needs starts with the basic needs, like breathing and survival, until the top level needs like morale or creativity. Abraham Maslow developed this hierarchy of needs and graphically he presented it in a form of a pyramid.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Physiological level is the base level of motivators of hierarchy of needs within Maslow's theory. This segment covers breathing, food, water, excretion, sex, and sleep. Except the last two, a working environment that assures that these needs are satisfied can positively influence the employees.

Safety level is the next level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. This group of need covers personally safety, employment security, health and property. This segment is very important. If employee is not feel safe in the future of his job, his morale will decrease. Furthermore, if employee feels that his health and life are not safe at work, than it is not reasonable to expect the optimal performance of such employee. The employer needs to take care about basic safety elements, in order to satisfy employee safety needs.

Belonging and love is the next level of hierarchy of needs in the Maslow's theory. This group contains the need of belonging to group, family and sexual contact. From perspective of employer, building of friendly environment that builds the team spirit is the way of satisfying this need of employees. That will raise employee’s satisfaction.

Esteem is the next level on Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. It covers self-esteem, achievements, self-confidence and mutual respect. The employee that is appreciated and that appreciate others, the one that feel that his work is contributing to the company and his career will be motivated in his job.

Self-actualization is the top level of hierarchy of needs and contains the morale, creativity, openness and clear mildness.

As we see the working environment of every position is influencing most of the needs from the hierarchy of needs. The employer can directly influence motivators of employee by providing the right environment. On contrary, the employee that does not feel safe, respected and healthy on his position is not the one that will bring results.

Therefore, the employer should design every position, office, procedures, processes, culture and future that will satisfy the Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The hierarchy of needs should be the guideline for building healthy working environment. The Maslow's hierarchy of needs can be a good checklist for design of every position and a way of solving any problem of employee motivation.

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Readers' Questions

  • Calan
    Which of the following needs in maslow's hierarchy is generally satisfied first?
    6 months ago
  • The physiological needs, such as breathing, food, water, shelter, and sleep, are generally satisfied first in Maslow's hierarchy of needs. These needs are considered the most essential for survival and are usually the first priority.
    • Aki-Petter
      When did maslow create the hierarchy of needs?
      7 months ago
    • Abraham Maslow created the Hierarchy of Needs in 1943.
      • karita
        What is the first level of maslow’s hierarchy of needs that an individual needs to satisfy?
        7 months ago
      • The first level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs that an individual needs to satisfy is physiological needs. These include basic needs such as food, water, shelter, clothing, and sleep. Once these needs are met, an individual can move up the hierarchy to fulfill higher-level needs such as safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization.
        • rita isaias
          Which is the most basic human need, as suggested by abraham maslow?
          7 months ago
        • According to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the most basic human need is physiological needs. These include the needs for food, water, air, shelter, sleep, and other bodily functions necessary for survival. These needs must be satisfied before an individual can progress to higher levels of needs, such as safety, belongingness and love, esteem, and self-actualization.
          • Aziz
            Which of the following is included under social needs in maslow's hierarchy?
            7 months ago
          • Friendship, intimacy, and a sense of belonging are included under social needs in Maslow's hierarchy.
            • Reeta
              How does a job satisfy a person's safety needs from maslow's hierarchy?
              7 months ago
            • A job can satisfy a person's safety needs from Maslow's hierarchy in several ways:
              1. Financial Security: A job provides a regular income that allows individuals to meet their basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. This sense of financial stability creates a foundation of safety and security.
              2. Job Security: Having a stable employment can provide a sense of security and safety as it reduces the fear of losing one's job. Knowing that they have a steady source of income and won't be left unemployed helps meet this need.
              3. Health and Safety: Many jobs offer safety measures and protocols to ensure the physical well-being of employees. This can include providing protective equipment, training on safety procedures, and maintaining a safe working environment.
              4. Benefits and Insurance: Many jobs also offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks that help individuals feel secure in terms of healthcare and future financial stability.
              5. Overall, a job satisfies a person's safety needs by providing financial security, job stability, safety measures, and benefits that contribute to their physical and financial well-being, reducing anxieties related to basic survival needs.
              • Fedra
                Which one of the following needs is the highest in maslow's hierarchy of needs theory?
                7 months ago
              • The highest need in Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory is self-actualization.
                • poppy
                  What is the highest goal in human development according to maslow?
                  7 months ago
                • According to Abraham Maslow, the highest goal in human development is self-actualization. Self-actualization is the process of fulfilling one's potential and becoming the best version of oneself. It involves personal growth, self-discovery, and the realization of one's unique talents and abilities. Maslow believed that self-actualized individuals are highly self-aware, have strong moral and ethical values, are creative and spontaneous, and have a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose in life.
                  • ANNA
                    Which of the following is the highest level need in abraham maslow’s pyramid of needs?
                    7 months ago
                  • The highest level need in Abraham Maslow's pyramid of needs is self-actualization.
                    • semrawit
                      Which of the following are levels of maslow's hierarchy of needs?
                      8 months ago
                    • The levels of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs are as follows:
                      1. Physiological Needs: These are the basic needs necessary for survival, such as food, water, shelter, sleep, and sex.
                      2. Safety Needs: This pertains to feeling safe and secure, including physical safety, employment security, financial stability, health, and protection from harm.
                      3. Love and Belongingness Needs: These needs encompass the desire for social interaction, affection, love, and a sense of belonging or acceptance within a community or group.
                      4. Esteem Needs: This level involves the need for recognition, respect, self-confidence, achievement, and a positive self-image. This can be both internal (self-esteem) and external (esteem from others).
                      5. Self-actualization Needs: This is the highest level where individuals strive to reach their fullest potential, focusing on personal growth, self-fulfillment, creativity, and realizing their aspirations and goals.
                      • efisio
                        Which of the following is at the highest level of maslow's pyramid of human needs?
                        8 months ago
                      • Self-actualization is at the highest level of Maslow's pyramid of human needs.
                        • Isaias
                          Who developed the hierarchy of needs theory?
                          9 months ago
                        • The Hierarchy of Needs theory was developed by psychologist Abraham Maslow in 1943. Maslow's theory suggested that humans are motivated by unsatisfied needs, and that certain lower needs need to be satisfied before higher needs can be satisfied.
                          • awet
                            What is the highest need in maslow's motivational hierarchy?
                            9 months ago
                          • The highest need in Maslow's motivational hierarchy is self-actualization. Self-actualization is the need to fulfill a person’s potential and become the best version of themselves. It is a desire to reach maximum potential in areas of creativity, problem-solving, independent work, among other areas.
                            • maisie
                              Which statement about abraham maslow's theory is true?
                              9 months ago
                            • Abraham Maslow's theory suggests that self-actualization is the highest level of psychological development.
                              • leea
                                What level of maslow's hierarchy of needs is the highest level?
                                9 months ago
                              • The highest level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is Self-Actualization. It is the need for personal growth and the achievement of one's full potential.
                                • BARBARA
                                  Which need within maslow’s hierarchy is the highestlevel need?
                                  9 months ago
                                • The highest level need within Maslow's hierarchy is self-actualization. This refers to fulfilling one's potential, pursuing personal growth, and seeking meaning and purpose in life. It is the pinnacle of human motivation and the ultimate goal of self-fulfillment.
                                  • johnny
                                    Which of the following are examples of the social level in maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
                                    10 months ago
                                    1. Love and Belonging: Building relationships, friendships, and belonging to a group.
                                    2. Esteem: Feeling respected and valued, both from others and from oneself.
                                    3. Self-Actualization: Realizing one’s individual potential and pursuing their personal best.
                                    • Vesa
                                      Which of the following is the highest level need in maslow's theory?
                                      10 months ago
                                    • The highest level need in Maslow's theory is self-actualization.
                                      • Tekle
                                        What is maslow theory of motivation related to employee?
                                        11 months ago
                                      • Maslow's theory of motivation is related to employee motivation in that it attempts to explain the psychological needs that drive an individual to be motivated. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, individuals are motivated to fulfill their most basic needs first, such as food and shelter. As these needs are met, higher-level needs come into play such as the need for social interaction and recognition. Maslow's theory states that until these higher-level needs are satisfied, an individual might not experience true motivation. This theory can be applied to employee motivation, as employers can provide a workplace environment that encourages employees to fulfill their needs.
                                        • adaldrida
                                          Which of the following forms the base of maslow's hierarchy of needs?
                                          1 year ago
                                        • Self-actualization
                                          • Jennifer Daecher
                                            What is the top level of maslow’s hierarchy of basic needs?
                                            1 year ago
                                          • The top level of Maslow's Hierarchy of basic needs is self-actualization. This is the need to fulfill one's potential and to grow and develop as a person. Self-actualization involves pursuing activities that are meaningful and rewarding to people and contributes to their overall sense of purpose in life.
                                            • anna
                                              Which of the following forms the pinnacle of maslow's hierarchy of needs?
                                              1 year ago
                                            • Self-actualization.
                                              • Pansy
                                                Which of the following motivators is the most basic need in maslow's hierarchy?
                                                1 year ago
                                              • The most basic need in Maslow's hierarchy is physiological needs. These include the need for food, water, shelter, sleep, and other biological necessities.