Hierarchy of Needs

What are the various levels in the Hierarchy of needs?

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is distributed into 5 levels:

1. Psychological needs; includes biological requirements for human survival.
2. Safety needs; includes emotional security, financial security, law and order, freedom from fear, social stability.
3. Love/belonging; includes friendship, trust, etc.
4. Esteem needs; includes respect or reputation.
5. Self-actualization needs; includes self-fulfillment, personal growth.

Why is Hierarchy of needs important at workplaces?

Hierarchy of needs is important to organizations because it helps them understand the needs of their employees, and how those needs can be fulfilled. It is an important aspect of effective management strategies and is concerned with motivating the employees.

How does Maslow's hierarchy of needs apply to motivate employees?

According to the hierarchy of needs, the lowest level, the psychological needs, determine the prime behavior of the employees. When this level of needs is satisfied for the employees, needs at the next level in the hierarchy will begin to motivate behavior. According to this theory, as more and more needs are met, the employees feel more motivated to deliver good work.

What are the criticisms to the hierarchy of needs?

Some of the most key criticisms of Maslow's hierarchy are:

• His unscientific approach.
• Use of unreliable samples. Example, small sample size, etc.
• The specific research methods he used to draw conclusions.

How can employers satisfy employee needs?

It is important that employers feel concerned about satisfying employee needs at workplaces. Only if employee needs are met will they feel motivated to work. Employers can do so by speaking personally with their employees as regularly as possible, they can conduct surveys and they can use any technological tools to understand their needs. Encourage employees, recognize their work, reward them on their good work and cultivate a positive work culture.