Motivational Theories - Maslow and Hierarchy of needs 1.4.4

Hierarchy of needs - focuses on the psychological needs of employees. Maslow put forward a theory that there are five levels in a hierarchy of human needs that employees need to have fulfilled at work in order for employees to feel motivated .

Self-actualisation - Fulfilling potential, being able to develop and be creative

Self-esteem - Gaining respect and recognition for achievements, feeling competent

Social needs - Communicating with colleagues, friendship, team-working and trust

Safety needs - A safe working environment and job security

Physical needs - Having enough money for the essentials. Being paid wages that enable employees to pay the bills.



Maslow's pyramid starts at the base with the need for money to pay for essentials such as food and a home.
Once the most basic needs are met, good working conditions become important. As each need is fulfilled, the employee moves up the pyramid to higher needs.

CRITICISMS OF MASLOW'S THEORY

• Some jobs are very satisfying but do not actually pay enough for the employee to survive in the long run e.g. charities
• Not all employees' needs are the same - some employees are so ambitious that they do not care very much about communication and friendship.
• The higher needs do not have much impact if there is a threat of redundancy.

Key summary for Maslow:

• Workers motivated by having each level of need met in order as they move up the hierarchy
• Levels of needs are: Physical, Security, Social, Self-esteem, Self-fulfillment
• Workers must have lower level of needs fully met by firm before being motivated by next level