Maslow's Theory

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Maslow's Theory on Motivation

Maslow’s theory is known as the hierarchy of needs.

Hierarchy of needs

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs provides five categories of needs which a business must cater to if its employees are to be as engaged and motivated as possible.

Self-actualisation

Self-actualisation occurs when a business gives employees the opportunity to meet their full potential through achievement, responsibility and the development of new skills and knowledge. For example, offering an employee an opportunity to access a management training programme which challenges and develops them could allow an employee to realise their true potential.

Esteem

Esteem needs are addressed when a business gives employees access to opportunities for promotion and through recognising and celebrating successes. For example, recognising the successes of an employee’s work during an appraisal review could boost their esteem.

Belongingness and love

Belongingness and love are addressed when a business gives employees opportunities to build relationships through teamwork and social interactions. For example, a business offering a social club event which allows employees to socialise once a month could meet these social needs.

Safety and physiological needs

Safety needs are addressed when a business offers employees job security and a safe working environment. For example, McDonalds offering employees a guaranteed number of hours and moving away from zero hours contracts offers employees an opportunity to satisfy their safety needs.
Basic physiological needs are addressed when a business offers pay to employees so that they are able to purchase food and accommodation.

Advantages and disadvantages of Maslow's hierarchy

Maslow’s hierarchy offers businesses with a structured approach to try and improve employee motivation.
Maslow’s hierarchy assumes that employees will place the same importance on each of their needs as ordered within the hierarchy and this may not apply to all staff.

1Exploring Business

2Marketing Campaigns

2.1Marketing

2.1.1Setting Marketing Objectives

2.1.2Customer Needs

2.1.3The Market

2.1.4Competition & The Market

2.1.5Consumer Behaviour

2.1.6Market Research

2.1.7Forms of Market Research

2.1.8Market Segmentation

2.1.9Cultural & Social Factors in Marketing

2.1.10Promotional Decisions 3

2.1.11Pricing Strategies

2.2Marketing Mix

2.2.1Marketing Mix

2.2.2Product Life Cycle

2.2.3Pricing Decisions & Price Skimming

2.2.4Pricing Decisions & Price Penetration

2.2.5Promotional Decisions

2.2.6Promotional Decisions 2

2.2.7Promotional Decisions 3

2.2.8Market Mapping

3Business Finance

3.1Sources of Finance

3.1.1Internal Finance

3.1.2External Finance

3.1.3External Finance 2

3.1.4Sources of Business Finance

3.2Financial Planning

3.2.1Revenue

3.2.2Costs

3.2.3Cash & Cash Flow

3.2.4Cash & Cash Flow 2

3.2.5Break-Even Analysis

3.2.6Profits

3.3Financial Statements

3.3.1Balance Sheets

3.3.2Income Statements

3.3.3Liquidity

4International Business

4.1Globalisation

4.1.1Growing Economies

4.1.2Specialisation & Trade

4.2International Business

4.2.1Internationalisation

4.2.2International Trade

4.2.3MNCS

4.2.4Conditions that Prompt Trade

4.2.5Assessment of a Country

4.3International Economic Environment

4.3.1Globalisation

4.3.2Factors Contributing to Globalisation

4.3.3Protectionism

4.3.4The EU & the WTO

4.3.5Trading Blocs

4.4Factors Affecting International Business

4.4.1Global Competitiveness

4.4.2Ethics of Global Business

4.4.3Controlling MNCs

4.4.4Cultural & Social Factors in Marketing

5Principles of Management

5.1Management & Leadership

5.1.1Managers

5.1.2Management Theories

5.1.3Managing Organisational Culture

5.1.4Management Style

5.2Theories of Motivation

5.2.1Motivating & Engaging Employees

5.2.2Taylor's Theory

5.2.3Mayo's Theory

5.2.4Maslow's Theory

5.2.5Herzberg's Theory

5.3Managing Change

5.3.1Change

5.3.2Key Factors in Change

5.3.3Scenario Planning

5.3.4Managing Change

5.3.5Managing Strategic Implementation

6Business Decision Making

6.1Business Principles & Practices

6.1.1Influences in External Environments

6.1.2Product Decisions

6.1.3Competitive Environment

6.1.4Corporate Strategy

6.1.5Quantitative Sales Forecasting

6.1.6Legislation

6.2Quality Management

6.2.1Importance of Quality

6.2.2Measuring Quality

6.2.3Total Quality Management

6.2.4Evaluating TQM

6.3Human Resources

6.3.1Contracts

6.3.2Recruitment

6.3.3Training a Workforce

6.4Documents & Business Decisions

6.4.1Sales Forecasts

6.4.2Managing Strategic Implementation

6.4.3Problems with Strategy

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