Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory - Theory of Motivation
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory - Theory of Motivation
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory - Theory of Motivation
https://kalyan-city.blogspot.com/2010/06/maslow-hierarchy-of-needs-theory-of.html
It was in 1943 a Psychologist Mr. Abraham Harold Maslow suggested his Theory of Human Motivation. His theory
is one popular and extensively cited theory of motivation. Maslow's theory is based on the Hierarchy of Human
Needs. According to Maslow, human behavior is related to his needs. It is adjusted as per the nature of needs to be
satisfied. In hierarchy of needs theory, Maslow identified five types / sets of human need arranged in a hierarchy of
their importance and priority. He concluded that when one set of needs is satisfied, it ceases to be a motivating
factor. Thereafter, the next set of needs in the hierarchy order takes its place. These needs in hierarchy can be
compared to a pyramid. At the lowest level, there will be first set of needs which can be described as basic needs and
are universal in character. This will be followed by other sets of needs.
Maslow's theory of motivation (Hierarchy of Needs Theory) is very popular all over the world and provides guidelines
to managers / managements for motivating employees. However, Maslow's theory has many limitations.
Limitations of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory are noted below :-
1. Maslow's theory is over simplified and is based on human needs only. There is lack of direct cause and
effect relationship between need and behavior.
2. The theory has to refer to other motivating factors like expectations, experience and perception.
3. Needs of all employees are not uniform. Many are satisfied only with physiological needs and security of
employment.
4. The pattern of hierarchy of needs as suggested by Maslow may not be applicable uniformly to all categories
of employees.
5. Maslow's assumption of 'need hierarchy' does not hold good in the present age as each person has plenty
of needs to be satisfied, which may not necessarily follow Maslow's need hierarchy.
6. Maslow's theory is widely accepted but there is little empirical evidence to support it. It is largely tentative
and untested. His writings are more philosophical than scientific.
Importance of Hierarchy of Needs Theory
Although Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory has been criticised on above grounds, still it holds many advantages
or merits. It helps the managers to understand the behaviour of their employees. It also helps the managers to
provide the right financial and non-financial motivation to their employees. This overall helps to increase the
efficiency, productivity and profitability of the organisation.