What Is Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs Theory

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2.0 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs 2.1 Overview of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs In 1954, Abraham H. Maslow developed a motivational theory in psychology and social science, which has played a pivotal role in the history of management, as it was categorised and prioritised individual needs (Pichère, 2015). The two significant principles, which are underlined in the hierarchy of needs theory, are; firstly, individuals are motivated by five fundamental sets of needs, which are placed in a hierarchical pyramid, based on their significance. Maslow stated that all individuals are stimulated to satisfy every need in a series of sequential steps through which the higher needs become prevalent only when the lower ones have been fulfilled (Woods and West, 2010) (see Figure 2). Secondly, once a need has been satisfied, ceases to constitute an elemental incentive of behaviour. The first three levels of Maslow’s hierarchical pyramid are presented lower-order/basic needs (physiological, safety and social needs), which concentrate on physical well-being and companionship. On the contrary, at the top of the pyramid are placed higher-order needs (esteem and self-actualisation) which focus on psychological development and growth (Daft, 2015; Schermerhorn, 2010; Montana and Chanov, 2008). 2.2 Evaluation of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Through the years, Maslow’s theory has received severe criticism. Specifically, many thinkers and writers have underlined the fact that this need hierarchy derives

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