MASLOW’S THEORY OF

MOTIVATION
Submitted by
Yadhu Krishna R.S
MASLOW’S THEORY OF MOTIVATION

Abraham Maslow (1908–70),

a psychologist, believed that
all people have needs to be
satisfied, and that they will
work towards satisfying those
needs. A need is what a person
requires. He assumed these
needs could be arranged
according to their importance
in a series of steps known as
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Physiological Needs
• Physiological needs are those required to sustain
life, such as:
– Air
– Water
– Food
– Sleep
Safety Needs
• Once physiological needs are met, one's attention
turns to safety and security in order to be free from
the threat of physical and emotional harm. Such
needs might be fulfilled by:
• – Living in a safe area
• – Medical insurance
• – Job security
• – Financial reserves
Belongingness/love needs/social needs
• Once a person has met the lower level physiological
and safety needs, higher level needs awaken. The
first level of higher level needs are social needs.
Social needs are those related to interaction with
others and may include:
• – Friendship
• – Belonging to a group
• – Giving and receiving love
Esteem Needs
• Once a person feels a sense of "belonging", the need to feel
important arises. Esteem needs may be classified as internal
or external. Internal esteem needs are those related to self-
esteem such as self respect and achievement External
esteem needs are those such as social status and
recognition. Some esteem needs are:
• – Self-respect
• – Achievement
• – Attention
• – Recognition
• – Reputation
Self-Actualization
• Self-actualization is the summit of Maslow's
hierarchy of needs. It is the quest of reaching one's
full potential as a person. Self-actualized people
tend to have needs such as:
• –Truth
• –Justice
• –Wisdom
• –Meaning
CRITICISMS
The Criticisms of the theory include the following:
• The needs may not follow a definite hierarchical
order. For example, even if safety need is not
satisfied, the social need may emerge.
• The need priority model may not apply at all times
in all places.
• The level of motivation may be permanently lower
for some people. For example, a person suffering
from chronic unemployment may remain satisfied
for the rest of his life if only he get enough food.