Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow in his paper “A Theory of Human Motivation” published in the year 1943 had put forth a series of human needs that are positioned in a pyramid hierarchy, and have to be met accordingly. 

The identified needs are – physiological needs, safety needs, love, and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualisation needs. 

1.Physiological Needs 

These are the most primitive needs of an individual which have to be met continuously such as clothing, sufficient rest, air, sleep, water, food, shelter.

2.Safety Needs 

It ranks above basic physiological needs and ensures the survival of an individual such as physical security, employment, financial security, and emotional stability.

3.Love and Belonging Needs 

It is the starting point of interpersonal relationships and transcends basic material needs such as family relationship, friendship, intimate partner relationship, etc.

4.Esteem Needs 

Esteem needs indicate individuals require validation for their competence, at some levels. It imparts the sense of being worthy of respect. According to Maslow, self-esteem is of two types-one that is based on respect from others and the other one based on one’s self-assessment. 

5.Self-Actualisation Needs 

Self-actualisation means meeting one’s potential and harnessing the ability to reach such potential. This is the highest need to be met after fulfilling the other needs down the pyramid rung. Example – pursuing goals leading to personal fulfillment. 

These identified needs may be grouped into growth or being needs and deficit needs. The growth needs primarily include self-actualisation, which includes the desire to gain something intangible for self-accomplishment. The rest fall under deficit needs as the deprivation of these has to be met necessarily.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Examples 

Consider these real-life examples.

• Apart from breathing and eating, bathing and dressing also form parts of integral activities fulfilling our basic physiological needs.

• Pension or retirement benefits are a critical part of social needs for senior individuals. It belongs to safety needs. 

Importance of Maslow’s Needs Theory 

The hierarchy of needs was propounded by Maslow in the domain of psychology and his paper was published in the journal of psychological review. However, the theory has found application in various domains, and as such gaining greater importance with every passing day in business settings. 

For a theory which was put forward in 1943, its significance has not diminished in the twenty-first century at all. In both individual and organisational contexts, the identification and fulfillment of these inherent needs provide the scope for self-improvement, personal development, and growth. 

Did You Know?

Maslow’s 7 hierarchy of needs has found much greater application in organisation and business settings. The goods and services which were previously offered by businesses are also undergoing significant changes. 

Moving from physical and tangible goods, these offer intangible things like connectivity and information. Maslow’s hierarchy model is particularly vital in bringing in newer changes in the financial markets.

Test Your Knowledge 

i. According to the Maslow pyramid of needs, after all the physiological needs are met, which of the following aspects do individuals desire?

1. Esteem needs

2. Belonging needs

3. Self-actualisation needs

4. Safety needs

ii. Rebecca always feels she is never included in social events or group activities which has given rise to loneliness and depression. According to Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which of the following needs has not been fulfilled?

1. Safety needs  

2. Physiological needs 

3. Esteem needs  

4. Belonging needs 

Solutions: i. (C) Self-actualisation needs, ii. (D) Belonging needs