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Maslow's Theory on Motivation

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

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

  • 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

  • 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.
Belonging and love

Belonging and love

  • Belonging 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 that allows employees to socialise once a month could meet these social needs.
Safety and physiological 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 gives 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.
Pros and cons of Maslow's hierarchy

Pros and cons 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.
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