Maslow’s framework of basic needs is based on the theory that

something is a basic need if:

• its absence results in illness
• its presence prevents or signals health
• meeting an unmet need restores health
Maslow arranges basic human needs in a hierarchy, in which
certain needs are more basic than others. Although all the
needs are present, the individual strives to meet certain of the
needs at least to a minimal level before attending to the
others.

PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS
The physical needs inherent in all human beings: among them
are the needs for oxygen, food, fluids, sleep and procreation to
assure the continuation of human existence. Physiological
needs are sometimes referred to as basic needs. Physiological
needs must be met at least minimally for life to continue.
Below the level of substance, death occurs.
SAFETY NEEDS
The need for safety is subordinate only to basic physiological
needs. Safety is both physiological and psychological. We need
not only a safe physical environment, a shelter but also the
feeling of psychological safety. To feel safe we need regular
contact with people we trust and feel close to.
LOVE & BELONGING NEEDS
The security we gain from love and belonging enhances the
feeling of safety. Our feeling of structure and security is
reinforced when we know where we stand in relation to others,
and who we are to them. We all need mutually meaningful
relationships with other people.
SELF – ESTEEM NEEDS
Self – esteem is derived largely from the feeling that we are
valued by those around us. We feel good about ourselves when
the people who are important to us express acceptance and
approval. But self – esteem comes from within; it is related to
the assessments of our own adequacy, our performance and
our capacity in the various arenas of lives, both personal and
professional and that others hold one in high regard.
SELF – ACTUALIZATION NEEDS
The need to reach one’s potential through development of
one’s unique capabilities. In general, each lower level of need
must be met to some degree before this need can be satisfied.
The process of self – actualization is on that continues
throughout life. The following are qualities that indicate
achievement of one’s potential:
• Acceptance of self and others as they are
• Focus of interest on problems outside of self
• Ability to be objective
• Feelings of happiness and affection for others
• Respect for all persons
• Ability to discriminate between good and evil
• Creativity as a guideline for solving problems and carrying
out interests
Maslow writes of self-actualizing people that:

 They embrace the facts and realities of the world (including

themselves) rather than denying or avoiding them.
 They are spontaneous in their ideas and actions.
 They are creative.
 They are interested in solving problems; this often includes
the problems of others. Solving these problems is often a key
focus in their lives.
 They feel a closeness to other people, and generally
appreciate life.
 They have a system of morality that is fully internalized
and independent of external authority.
 They judge others without prejudice, in a way that can be
termed objective.

Maslows Need theory at Work -

Potential Means of Fulfillment at Work
•Physiological Needs – Basic pay, comfortable work
environment, temperature, water, cafeteria.
•Safety Needs – Job security, benefits like medical
insurance, life insurance, working in a hazard free
environment and safety regulations.
•Social and Belongingness Needs – Supportive
coworkers , peers, supervisors. Being in groups that
are compatible.
•Esteem Needs – Important projects, recognition,
awards, promotions.
•Self Actualization Needs – Challenging projects,
developing and mentoring others, opportunities for
innovation and creativity , etc

Maslow’ s Hierarchy of Needs

Theory
•There is a hierarchy of five needs: physiological, safety, social,
esteem, and self-actualization.

As each need is substantially satisfied, the next need becomes

dominant.
•Lower-Order Needs - Needs that are satisfied externally;
physiological and safety needs.
•Higher-Order Needs - Needs that are satisfied internally; social,
esteem, and self-actualization needs.
•Although no need is ever fully gratified, a substantially satisfied
need no longer motivates.
•So if you want to motivate someone , understand what level of
needs hierarchy that person is currently on and focus on satisfying
needs at or above that level
Maslows Need theory at Work -
Potential Means of Fulfillment at Work
•Physiological Needs – Basic pay, comfortable work
environment, temperature, water, cafeteria.
•Safety Needs – Job security, benefits like medical
insurance, life insurance, working in a hazard free
environment and safety regulations.
•Social and Belongingness Needs – Supportive
coworkers , peers, supervisors. Being in groups that
are compatible.
•Esteem Needs – Important projects, recognition,
awards, promotions.
•Self Actualization Needs – Challenging projects,
developing and mentoring others, opportunities for
innovation and creativity , etc

Physiological Needs– Hunger, thirst, shelter, relief from pain, and other
bodily needs. Maslow believed that these needs are the most basic and
instinctive needs in the hierarchy because all needs become secondary until
these physiological needs are met.

Safety Needs – Security and protection from physical and bodily harm.
Examples of security needs include a desire for steady employment, health
insurance, safe neighborhoods and shelter from the environment.

Social Needs - These include needs for belonging, acceptance, love and
affection. Maslow considered these needs to be less basic than physiological
and security needs. Relationships such as friendships, romantic attachmentsand
families help fulfill this need for companionship and acceptance, as
doesinvolvement in social, community or religious groups.

Esteem Needs - After the first three needs have been satisfied, esteem needs
becomes increasingly important. These include the need for things that reflect
on self-esteem, personal worth, status,recognition and accomplishment.

Self-actualizing Needs - This is the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy of

needs. The drive to become what one is capable of becoming. Includes growth,
achieving one’s potential, and self fulfillment