Problem: Put in APA format
Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of needs theory is the most well-known and practiced theories of human behavior and motivation in psychology. The theory was developed in his 1943 paper " A theory of Human motivation". He also later mentioned it in 1954 and 1968 with new updated information. Maslow created a pyramid that shows his theory that human behavior and motivation is directed toward meeting needs that exist in a hierarchical structure. He described the needs at the base of the pyramid as being basic physiological needs and the top of the pyramid being more related to personal growth and self- actualization. His major connection was human behavior is directed in the direction of satisfying basic needs before progressing to needs that are higher in the pyramid This theory is used widely in understanding motivations from personal, academic, professional, and even in the workplace.
Maslow describes the base of the pyramid as our basic physiological needs. These are our basic survival needs, such as food, water, shelter, warmth, and sleep. These needs will dominate over our other needs and desires. If we are hungry or tired, our main focus would be getting something to eat or getting some rest, this is a prime example. From a motivational perspective, our basic needs have to be satisfied before we can be motivated to achieve the things we want. We are motivated to eat, drink water, to survive. If a person was to be deprived of one of them, they will use all their energy to satisfy where they are lacking.
Maslow suggests that when the basic physiological needs are satisfied, the individual's motivation will then be directed towards fulfilling the need for safety. Safety motivations tend to be focused on maintaining a state of stability and reducing anxiety in their environment. Safety motivation tends to reduce the fear of personal danger to oneself and others around them. This also includes emotional security, financial stability, health, job security, and safe work environment. A person seeking employment in order to provide for their future but also in order to gain security for themselves and their family is a prime example. If an individual does not feel safe in their work environment this can result in low job motivation, however if an individual feels secure and safe in their work environment they might produce accelerated work performance. If an individual's safety needs are not mental, motivation for higher-level needs will not happen.
The next level would be social needs, also known as love and belongingness. This only occurs once physical and safety needs are met. This refers to personal relationships, interpersonal relationships, friendships, love, affection, belonging to a group and social connections people establish with others. People are social butterflies, the need to belong plays a very important role in motivation. If we feel accepted and loved by others we tend to feel extremely motivated, but if we feel rejected or socially isolated we tend to lose motivation and will lead to negative thought processing and self doubt. As when students join study groups, they tend to be more motivated to participate in class, feel more confident when taking tests, and more motivated to pursue school. Individuals tend to be motivated to seek connection to stray from loneliness, depression, isolation, and social alienation.
The fourth level of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs is esteem needs. This includes self-esteem, confidence, achievement, recognition from others, and respect. Maslow divided this level into two types, the desire for achievement and competence, and the desire for reputation or respect from others. The main motivation for individuals is to feel competent and feel recognition from others. People tend to desire achievement, prestige and a good reputation. Achieving goals, receiving praise, being respected by others, and being complemented are all factors that satisfy an individual's esteem needs. Motivation is more internal at this level. People seek personal growth and a sense of achievement. A student feeling motivated to gain good grades in a class in order to feel they have achieved something. In a workplace environment, an individual may be motivated to show excellent performance to receive a pay raise, a higher job title, or even recognition by getting a reward such as " employee of the month".
The highest level, the peak, of the Maslow's Hierarchy of needs is Self- Actualization. This is the desire to achieve one's full potential. This does not occur until all other needs are met and satisfied. It includes personal growth, seeking knowledge, and the desire to become the best version of oneself. When a person reaches this level they tend to strive to achieve even bigger goals. The need in this level is never-ending, it is never fully satisfied because a person can continuously strive to achieve more. This need is strictly based on the individual's own personal wants and needs.
The relationship between Maslow's Hierarchy of needs and motivation originate from the point that unmet needs drive human behavior and satisfied needs do not. According to Maslow, an individual's basic needs must be met first before an individual will focus on higher level needs, calling this prepotency. The first four levels are known as the deficiency needs, because they stim from a lack of something. Where an individual's motivation comes from not having something, as they are motivated to satisfy their needs the longer their need is unmet. Whereas the top level is known as growth needs.These tend to stim from a personal desire to grow rather than from the lack of something. Instead of decreasing, the motivation increases as the needs are met.
Maslow's Hierarchy of needs is widely used in the workplace and business management. It is used to increase employee engagement and productivity. Individuals physiological and safety needs are met when they are offered fair pay, benefits, and a stable, safe work environment. Social needs are met when employees are using teamwork, collaboration, and can feel a sense of belonging through the workplace social events. When jobs give employees titles such as " employee of the month", or pay raises they meet the individual's esteem needs.
Although Maslow's Hierarchy of needs has been very influential, It has also faced extreme criticism. As people say that the needs are not always met in a specific order. As some individuals may prioritize social needs over esteem needs, or some may prioritize esteem over safety. This all depends on an individual's values and cultures. However, despite all the criticism his theory remains extremely evident in understanding human behavior and why it is difficult to pursue personal growth when basic needs are unmet.
Maslow's Hierarchy of needs shows that human motivation is complex, varies on the individual. Human motivation ranges from basic survival to self fulfillment. Showing that lower level needs must be met before high-level growth needs can be met. Need Assignment Help?