Need theories

Question 1

What is Maslow’s theory about (1943)

Answer 1

He proposed the idea that basic human needs need to be satisfied before we can begin to satisfy higher needs.

Question 2

What are the 5 levels of hierarchical needs?

Answer 2

Physiological needs. Safety and security. Social needs. Esteem and on the top, self actualisation

Question 3

What stages does the updated model have? (1960s-1970s)

Answer 3

Biological and physiological needs. Safety needs. Love and belongingness needs. Esteem needs. Cognitive needs. Aesthetic needs. Self -actualisation and lastly, transcendence needs.

Question 4

Describe Biological and physiological needs.

Answer 4

this step focuses on our basic survival needs- eg. air, shelter, food, water, sex

Question 5

Describe Safety needs.

Answer 5

A society provided with appropriate laws and justice systems. Stable society.

Question 6

Describe Love and belongingness needs

Answer 6

Social needs. Family, friends, romantic relationships as well as work relationships.

Question 7

Describe esteem needs.

Answer 7

Achievements, skills, status and independence. These can be met differently with different people

Question 8

Describe cognitive needs.

Answer 8

Our need for information, knowledge and meaning.

Question 9

Describe aesthetic needs.

Answer 9

Our need and appreciation of beauty

Question 10

Describe self-actualisation needs

Answer 10

Reaching our full personal potential and becoming fulfilled.

Question 11

Describe Transcendence needs

Answer 11

Our ability to help others also achieve self-actualisation. Maslow’s last amendment to his model.

Question 12

Strengths of Maslow’s theory

Answer 12

1) A basic advantage of Maslow’s need theory is how well it serves to interpret human behaviour and motivation. It has relevance in modern-day applications, especially in the world of business. Application to real life
2) It is relevant in almost all fields of life because whether you are home or at office you start with the basic need. Gives organisations in today’s world as well a notion of all things they must provide for their workers.

Question 13

Weaknesses of Maslow’s theory

Answer 13

1) Not everyone is the same. For some individuals, social affection and respect are more important than safety needs and so on. Cannot be generalized. Does not take into account cultural differences.
2) Cannot be measured easily. Difficult to test the notion of self-actualisation

Question 14

What is Alderfer’s ERG theory (1972)

Answer 14

A revision of Maslow’s theory. Simplifies 8 categories into 3 - ERG. Not in a hierarchical approach. People can be motivated by needs from more than one level at the same time.

Question 15

What is ERG

Answer 15

E- Existence needs
R- Relatedness needs
G- Growth needs

Question 16

What is existence needs

Answer 16

Basic survival needs = Physiological and safety needs

Question 17

What is relatedness needs

Answer 17

Social and esteem needs = social needs. Self-esteem needs can be divided into- External and internal. Relatedness satisfies external needs

Question 18

what is growth needs

Answer 18

Needs related to self-development and advancement. Refers to the internal element of our self-esteem needs. = self-actualisation and self-esteem

Question 19

Conclusion

Answer 19

Ideally, paid work will provide for all these needs. Does not go in any sequence. With all of these fulfilled, greatest motivation. The relative importance of these needs may change throughout our lives.

Question 20

Strengths

Answer 20

1) Since it is difficult to support that needs are organised in a hierarchical manner, the no-sequence manner of this theory is a strength.
2) Takes into account the changing importance of needs and cultural differences.

Question 21

Weaknesses

Answer 21

1) The ERG theory does not offer clear cut guidelines. This theory says that an individual can satisfy any of the three needs first. But which is the most important (and finding this out would help organisations greatly) is difficult.

Question 22

What is the McClelland Theory of achievement motivation (1965)

Answer 22

The theory proposes that there are different needs that motivate people and that these differences are measurable.

Question 23

What are the 3 types of needs?

Answer 23

Need for achievement (N-ACH) Need for affiliation and need for power

Question 24

Describe the need for achievement

Answer 24

the need to get things done, be a success. People like these are motivated by challenges and appraisals.

Question 25

Describe the need for affiliation

Answer 25

the need to be liked by others, be accepted. people like these prefer to work with others and will be motivated by cooperative tasks

Question 26

describe the need for power

Answer 26

the need to have influence and control over others. motivated to gain status or prestige

Question 27

How to measure N-ACH?

Answer 27

Using a thematic Apperception test - TAT. This is a series of ambiguous images which the individual is asked to interpret.

Question 28

Strengths

Answer 28

1. Provides a clear picture for the organization and managers
   - To know which type of job is suitable for the employees and which types of people can make the organizations more successful.
   - who can be promoted and is suitable for the role of a manager
   2) . Provides an understanding to deal with different types of employees

Question 29

Weaknesses

Answer 29

1) Does not take into account basic needs like food, shelter, safety etc which should ideally be primary needs.