The theories of motivation - Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Question 1

What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Answer 1

Maslow believed that all people have needs to be satisfied, and will work towards satisfying those needs. The hierarchy is in order of importance.

Question 2

What is the order of Maslow’s hierarchy needs?

Answer 2

the need for:
1. self-actualisation - interesting jobs, opportunities for advancement
2. esteem - responsibility, promotion, recognition
3. social - teamwork, decision making, supportive management
4. safety - safe working conditions, job security
5. physiolocial - satisfactory pay for survival

Question 3

what are the advantages of Maslow’s hierarchy?

Answer 3

• help managers find out how to motivate employees
• following the theory should allow the business to increase motivation
• demonstrates how motivation can be increased over the long term

Question 4

what are the disadvantages of Maslow’s hierarchy?

Answer 4

• hard to identify where employees are on the hierarchy
• hard to monitor progression through hierarchy
• doesn’t consider individual employee differences