Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Essay

In the 1950’s a psychologist called Abraham Maslow conducted research on the understanding of human motivation. In 1954 he suggested there were two sets of human needs, one set related to basic survival needs such as homeostasis, physiological needs and safety. The second set he believed focused on self –actualisation, this particular need is where he thought an individual realised their full potential. (Cardwell et al, 2000). On the basis of his theory he arranged these various needs in a hierarchy, starting with the basic survival needs and at the very top the self-actualisation need. (As pictured below). Maslow’s original Hierarchy of needs. image00. png (www. outlandishjosh. com/files/400px-Maslow’s_hierarchy_of_needs. svg. png) He suggested that each need had to be satisfied first before moving on to the next stage of the hierarchy, and the higher up the hierarchy an individual went, the more difficult it was to satisfy the needs, he suggested this was because the higher up the hierarchy an individual went the needs became psychological rather than physiological, they also became long term needs rather than short term needs. (Cardwell et al, 2000). Maslow suggested that many individuals would never reach our full potential and would therefore never reach self-actualisation. How the Hierarchy Works. Each individual starts at the bottom of the hierarchy and has to satisfy each level before they can move to the next level of the hierarchy. Physiological needs: – these are the basic needs such as, oxygen, shelter, food, thirst, sleep, sex etc, these basic needs must be meet in order to move up to the next level of the hierarchy. Safety needs: – the next level that has to be satisfied is the safety needs, these include, a need to feel physically safe and secure, security in a job, protection and stability. Love & Belongingness: – the next needs that have to be satisfied are love and belongingness, this is where an individual wants to be accepted and belong to a family or friends, to be loved and to love someone in return. Esteem needs: – this is where an individual has to satisfy their own self esteem, where they desire to be respected by others, to be given recognition in their job etc. Self-actualisation:- this is the final need to be satisfied; this is where an individual realizes their full potential and seeks self fulfilment. (Class notes). (Cardwell et al, 2000). In 1970 his hierarchy of needs was revised to include Cognitive needs (an individuals need to know and understand and needing to search for a meaning) and Aesthetic needs (the need for beauty in arts and nature etc and the need for order) he place these needs above the esteem needs. (Class Notes). (Haralambos & Rice, 2002). image01. jpg (www. waterstone. files. wordpress. com/2007/06/mh-pxw. jpg) How Maslow’s Hierarchy works In everyday life. Maslow’s hierarchy can be applied to a number of situations in everyday life, in the work placement, in schools etc to encourage motivation. Applying Maslow’s hierarchy in the work place. Physiological needs: – this level can be met by providing a place to eat and drinks, ensuring the workers have breaks, have reasonable working hours and providing a comfortable working environment, bonuses to boost their wages, etc. Safety needs: – this level can be met by providing a safe working environment, job security, pensions, health insurance etc. Love and Belongingness needs:- this level can be met by involving the individual in decision making, so that they feel part of the team, encouraging friendliness amongst the workers, introduce team building activities outside of work hours e. g. nights out, sports activities etc. Esteem needs: – this level can be met by praising the individual for their work, treating them in a professional friendly manner, offering the chance of promotion, etc. Self-actualisation:- this level can be met by the individual reaching their own goals in the workplace, encouraging the individual to be creative, by encouraging the individual to take promotions, encourage training scheme’s, etc.