Applying Maslow's hierarchy of needs to workplace motivation

Employee Motivation

Motivation in the Workplace

The objective of this study is to examine motivation in the workplace with a focus on survival needs, security needs, belonging needs, respect needs, and fulfillment needs.

Motivation in the workplace is a subject of ongoing interest because employers desire to understand how to best motivate their workers to increase workplace productivity. A useful model in examining motivation in the workplace is that known as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

Maslow's Hierarch of Needs

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory is one that emphasizes "meeting each level of development before going on towards self-actualization. The level of needs proposed by Maslow include those as follows:

(1) material needs;

(2) safety;

(3) sense of belonging;

(4) love and friendship

(5) self-esteem; and (6) self-actualization. (Cruver-Plaza, 2009, p.1)

The following illustration shows the conception of the hierarchy of needs proposed by Maslow.

Figure 1

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Source: The Times 100 Business Case Studies (2012)

As one can see from the above illustration the most basic of all needs are the psychological needs and according to Maslow, once these needs are met then the individual seeks to meet the needs relating to their safety. Only upon the needs of safety being realized by the individual, can the individual progress to meeting social needs. Once social needs are realized, the individual moves up the hierarchy and concentrates on meeting needs of self-esteem and then finally the individual upon attaining all the lower needs is able to meet their need for self-actualization.