The third level up the pyramid is the need for affection, belonging and love. This is the need state area were people are who want to alleviate feelings of loneliness, isolation or alienation (Hoffman, 1988). This level is also critically important for the development of trust in the workplace and within workplace teams and the sense of identity that comes from being part of a group (Harris, Kleiner, 1993). Fourth there is the need for esteem and while it often connotes the esteem from others as a layer of the model, it encompasses self-esteem as well. This is the level where the critical aspects of self-worth, self-confidence and self-discipline come into how a person approaches their life and their goals (Bazigos, Burke, 1997). The top layer of the Maslow Hierarchy of Needs Model is self-actualization. This is the level of where people are who have found their innate strengths and aligned their passion to excel with those strengths. It has often been equated with a theory of existence for achievement (Sarin, 2009). The Maslow Hierarchy of Needs is the best known of the research completed by Dr. Maslow, one of the leading contributors to modern psychological thought. In addition to publishing seven books on the areas of human motivation and psychology, Dr. Maslow averaged seven research studies every year for forty years of research and educational service, which is a remarkable feat just by itself. His contributions to motivation theory have changed entire cultures as a result (Stum, 2001). Why You Should Vote for Abraham Maslow

Of the many study areas of psychology, motivational theory is by far the most critical. It encourages those who study it to seek out approaches to resiliency and strength, which is critically important in the turbulent times we are living in. Where would motivational theory...

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? Where would adult education be without the over four decades of research into the dynamics of motivation and needs? It would be a much less interesting, much less insightful field without his many contributions. The Maslow Hierarchy of Needs has been responsible for the end of labor and management strife and conflict (Cangemi, 2009) and has also served as the foundation for countless employee management and self-motivation programs as well (Stum, 2001). The Maslow Hierarchy of Needs has also served as the foundation for developing organizational Development (OD) strategies that in turn make entire industries more competitive (Bazigos, Burke, 1997). In summary, consider Dr. Maslow as the nominee for Adult Educator of All Time for these contributions and the extensive use of his analyses and concepts in clarifying and making more meaningful the human experience of learning and achievement.