Theory

In the Humanistic theory of motivation proposed by Abraham Maslow he believed that people are motivated by a conscious desire for personal growth (Rathus, 2007). According to Engler (2003) Maslow believed that human beings are more interested in growing than rather simply restoring balance or avoiding frustration. He described the human being as a wanting animal who is almost always desiring something, this is as result of humans trying to achieve self actualization at some point, although this is not easy to achieve. From this it can be said that as humans we are never satisfied, as one desire is accomplished another will arise at some point.

Maslow in 1970 organized the human needs into a hierarchy ascending from the basic biological needs to the more complex psychological motivations that become important only after the basic needs have been satisfied (Smith & Nolen-Hoeksema, et al 2003). These needs include physiological needs, safety needs, the need of belonging and love, self esteem, and selfactualization. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the needs must be achieved in order. For instance, one would be unable to fulfill their safety needs if their physiological needs have not been met. The humanistic approach is mainly concerned with the individuals subjective experiences (Smith & Nolen-Hoeksema, et al 2003).

The needs at one level must be at least partially satisfied before those at the next level becomes important motivators of action (Smith & Nolen-Hoeksema, et al 2003). As each need is satisfied, the higher you go the more important the attainment of the need becomes, some individuals, because of circumstances finds it very difficult to satisfy even the lowest needs of the hierarchy. The higher one is willing and able to go the greater physiological health and selfactualization will be demonstrated (Engler, 2003).

Maslow argues that the way in which essential needs are fulfilled is just as important as the needs themselves which will help to define a human being experience. To the where extent a person finds cooperative social fulfillment, he establishes meaningful relationships with others.

The humanistic theory is a theory that believes every individual is capable of reaching their full potential to reach self actualization. Maslows theory clearly points away from pure science towards the broader outlines of philosophy. He reminded us that human beings create science, establishes its goals, and use its technology for their own purposes

(Engler, 2003). Base on Maslows study of self actualized persons lacks the rigor and distinct methodology characteristics of strict empirical science. Maslows portrayal of the self-actualized person is optimistic, generating much confidence in human potential. Yet many critics suggests that his picture may be simplistic, neglecting the hard work and pain that is involved in growth and development and ignoring the phenomenon of tragedy (Engler, 2003).