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Short note: Maslow's theory of motivation

Short answer

Maslow's 1943 theory states that human behaviour is driven by five ordered needs, physiological, safety, social, esteem and self-actualisation, with lower needs satisfied first. Only an unsatisfied need motivates, so managers identify the active need and offer matching incentives, although critics note the order is not rigid.

Write a short note on Maslow's theory of motivation.

Maslow's theory of motivation (A. H. Maslow, 1943) states that human behaviour is driven by a hierarchy of five needs. People satisfy lower needs first; only an unsatisfied need motivates, and once it is met the next higher need becomes dominant.

The five levels

  1. Physiological needs: food, water, clothing, shelter, rest. In construction: adequate wages, drinking water, accommodation.
  2. Safety needs: physical safety, job security, health. For example safety equipment, insurance, and regular employment.
  3. Social (belonging) needs: friendship, acceptance, team membership. For example good team spirit and cordial supervisors.
  4. Esteem needs: self-respect, recognition, status. For example praise, awards, designation.
  5. Self-actualisation: fulfilling one's potential, creativity, growth. For example challenging tasks, training, promotion.
   Self-actualisation
   Esteem
   Social
   Safety
   Physiological   <- start here

Use and criticism

Managers identify each worker's active need and offer incentives for that level. Criticism: needs do not always follow a rigid order, differ among cultures, and one action can satisfy several needs; but the theory remains a simple and widely used guide.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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