Maslow’s Motivational Hierarchy: Establishing a Foundation for Human Motivation
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of Maslow’s Motivational Hierarchy, an influential theory of human motivation. The paper begins by introducing the concept of the motivational hierarchy, outlining its five levels and describing the physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs that constitute the hierarchy. The paper then explores the implications of Maslow’s theory, including its strengths, weaknesses, and connection to contemporary research.
Keywords: Maslow, motivation, hierarchy
Introduction
Maslow’s Motivational Hierarchy is an influential theory of human motivation developed by American psychologist Abraham Maslow in the 1940s (Maslow, 1943). The theory states that humans prioritize their needs in five distinct levels, beginning with physiological needs and ending with self-actualization. These five levels of need form a hierarchy, with each level needing to be met before individuals can progress to the next. In this paper, the concept of the motivational hierarchy is explored and its implications discussed.
The Five Levels of the Motivational Hierarchy
The five levels of Maslow’s Motivational Hierarchy are physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs. Physiological needs make up the base of the hierarchy, and include the need for food, water, and shelter. Safety needs form the second level, and refer to the need for security and protection from danger. Social needs are the third level and refer to the need for companionship, love, and belonging. The fourth level, esteem needs, refer to the need for respect, appreciation, and recognition. The fifth and final level is self-actualization needs, which refer to the need for self-fulfillment and the realization of one’s potential.
Implications of Maslow’s Motivational Hierarchy
Maslow’s work has had a significant influence on the field of psychology. His theory has been cited as useful in understanding the motivation of workers in the workplace (Deci & Ryan, 1985). Additionally, Maslow’s focus on self-actualization has been cited as a major contribution to the field of humanistic psychology (Rogers, 1951).
Despite its influence, there are some weaknesses to Maslow’s Motivational Hierarchy. For example, the theory has been criticized for its linear and fixed structure (Kasser, 2002). Additionally, the theory has been criticized for its focus on individualism and neglect of collective motivations (Vallerand, 1997).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maslow’s Motivational Hierarchy is an influential theory of human motivation. The theory outlines five distinct levels of need that form a hierarchy, beginning with physiological needs and ending with self-actualization needs. Despite its influence, the theory has been criticized for its linear and fixed structure, as well as its focus on individualism. Nevertheless, it remains an important contribution to the field of psychology.
References
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York: Plenum.
Kasser, T. (2002). The high price of materialism. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.
Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy: Its current practice, implications, and theory. London: Constable.
Vallerand, R. J. (1997). Toward a hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. In M. P. Zanna (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 29, pp. 271–360). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.