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Unit 13: Motivation and Morale

Need Hierarchy Model by Abraham H. Maslow Notes

One name, which is closely associated with the initial work in the area of motivation, is that
of Abraham H. Maslow. His theory of hierarchy of needs holds valid even today. Abraham
Maslow classified the entire range of needs experienced by individuals into five basic categories
and arranged them in a hierarchical order as shown is Figure 13.3.

Abraham Maslow identified these five levels of needs as the source of different motivating
behaviours. According to the theory, once a lower-order need has been satisfied, a person can
activate the next higher-order need.
Physiological or physical needs: These have been classified as lower-order needs and include the
need for food, air, water, and shelter. These basic needs need to be satisfied before a person
is motivated by higher-order needs. Managers and supervisors in organizations have to be
aware of the degree to which these needs are being taken care of in the organization. If
employees are motivated by physiological needs, the concern for work will not affect them.
Managers who focus on physiological needs to motivate subordinates assume that people
work primarily for money because money is the resource which they can utilize to satisfy all
their needs at this level.
Safety needs: Safety needs are the needs for a secure and stable environment and the absence
of pain, threat or illness. They are also called security needs. If safety needs are not satisfied,
there is a tendency for people to become preoccupied with these needs. Managers who are
more concerned with providing their subordinates the safety needs provide them with
instruments and gadgets that ensure security and physical safety in the work environment.
They are also concerned with the psychological safety of their subordinates and try to satisfy
those needs by offering health, disability and life insurance, thereby promoting a sense of
security and well-being.
Belongingness needs: These needs include the needs for love, affection, and interaction with
other people. They have also been labelled as affiliation needs.

Figure 13.3: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Self-
actualization The peak of human existence — the ability to develop latent
needs capabilities and realize full potential
Esteem needs Psychological well-being, built on the perception of oneself
as worthy and recognized by others
Love or belongingness Beyond existence needs lies the desire for nurturing
needs acceptance, respect, and caring relationships
Safety needs Needs to be free from harm or danger, to have a secure
and predictable life
Physical needs Needs for relief from thirst, hunger and physical drives

Maslow contends that when physical and safety needs have been satisfied, affiliation needs
begin to motivate people. The workplace is generally viewed as an area where employees
develop effective personal and professional relationships. Managers who believe in satisfying
the belongingness needs of their subordinates try to provide a congenial and warm work

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