Question -
Answer -
Need or the desire is a very important element in motivation because the employees get motivated only for their needs and if the needs are fulfilled completely then it is not possible to motivate the employees. Maslow has given a sequence or hierarchy of needs .
Assumptions:
Maslow’s theory is based on the following assumptions.
(i) People’s need influences their behaviour.
(ii) Needs of the individuals can be arranged in a hierarchical order.
(iii) An individual can move to a higher level need only when the lower level need in the hierarchy is satisfied.
(iv) Once a need is satisfied, an individual can be motivated only through the next higher level need.
Theory
The following is the hierarchy of needs as given by Maslow.
(a) Physiological Needs: Such needs comprise of essential requirements for sustenance of life. They are at the top of the hierarchy. The fulfilment of these needs is necessary for survival. For example, food, clothing, shelter are physiological needs. An employee requires a certain basic salary for the satisfaction of these needs.
(b) Security Needs: These needs relate to physical and economic security and well-being. For example, an employee desires job security, income stability, etc.
(c) Belongingness Needs: Such needs comprise of the social needs of an individual such as affection, acceptance, companionship, etc. as every individual yearns for social acceptance and belongingness.
(d) Esteem Needs: These needs include such elements as respect, dignity, recognition, etc. as every individual wants to command respect and acknowledgement in the peer group.
(e) Self-Actualisation Needs: This need refers to achieving what one aims or aspires. It is the highest level need in hierarchy. For an employee such needs relate to growth, work satisfaction, etc.
Maslow’s theory is widely appreciated and is used as basis for motivation by the managers. However, sometimes it can happen that needs of an individual do not follow the exact order of hierarchy. Nevertheless, an understanding of the needs as given by Maslow helps the managers in practicing efficient motivation.