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Maslow’s Hierarchy

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Maslow’s Hierarchy

Introduction

In 194, Abraham Maslow established the theory of hierarchy of needs theory. The theory

encompasses the five-level human requirements depicted as hierarchical with the levels in the

pyramid. The model establishes that requirements down in the hierarchy levels should be

satisfied before an individual will shift to higher-level needs. The five levels in the model are the

needs of safety, physiology, belonging and love, esteem, and self-actualization (Acquah et al.,

2021). This paper aims to deliberate how the administrators of criminal justice apply Maslow's

model to the leadership theories and recognize supplementary motivational theories used in

various criminal justice sectors. It would expound how Maslow's theory could contribute to

effective communication and the link between Maslow’s belief and the administrator's need to be

cognizant of civil rights.

Maslow’s Theory in the Leadership Models

Criminal justice officers need to apply Maslow's theory in the trait theory to form the

requirement for competent skills of leadership which they possess. Applying the trait theory, the

administrator could then convey the optimistic traits of leadership to those arrested or in jail.

Also, the administrator would go ahead and educate the public on various positive leadership

personalities they possess applicable by law (Holden and Holden, 1986). Maslow's theory would

be used in the administration of criminal justice in various manners by focusing on leadership

theories. Criminal justice officers who employ Maslow's theory need to focus on changing their

organization's practices to ensure employee satisfaction of the needs. Leadership effectiveness is

vital and prominent in all system criminal justice administration units.

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Criminal justice officers might employ the theory of Maslow while establishing the

longing to adapt via situational leadership. Conferring to law enforcement, the administrators

would educate the masses regarding the requirement for a change to adapt to disparities in the

environment grounded on the circumstance (Holden and Holden, 1986). For instance, they could

educate the public on the significance of forsaking vices such as robbery and drug abuse. The

police officers could apply Maslow's theory to show the criminals the paybacks of

accommodating change and preparing themselves for the psychological changes. On the other

hand, criminal justice officers utilize Maslow's theory to encourage the inmates in correctional

facilities to make amends and be better people who efficiently cope with changes in the ordinary

world.

Criminal justice officers should employ Maslow’s model in leadership style theory to

form the need for effective leadership, which fits well. There are various leadership styles, but

how they are utilized depends on the officers. Some officers apply a transformative style that

encourages and motivates the inmates in the jails (Holden and Holden, 1986). Others would use

the authoritative style to ensure the inmates’ needs are satisfied since they are aware of the

repercussions, like waking them up early to do different chores and afterward feeding them.

Motivational Needs

Additional motivational theories employed in all three criminal justice sectors include

Alderfer’s existence, relatedness, and growth model. The model is almost alike Maslow's model.

The existence requirements, in theory, are the same as physiological and safety needs in

Maslow's model. The connection could be applied in place of the self-esteem of others and

belongingness, while growth in this theory equates to self-actualization and self-esteem needs.

For instance, existence can be applied in law enforcement to comprehend the physical safety
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requirements and the growth and relatedness of the physiological one. Relatedness in the ERG

Theory would be applied to comprehend the importance of people's associations with their

friends and families (Acquah et al., 2021). The approach assists in comprehending and

approximating offenders' associations with close ones. Growth needs in the ERG theory would

be applied to self-improve the inmates in prisons by assisting them to gain personal growth and

progression.

Application of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's theory can be used to guarantee adequate communication in jails. Maslow

explains that people communicate to meet numerous social and physical needs. Various needs

that could be addressed via the application of the model and effective communication include

belonging needs, survival wants, protection and safety want, self-actualization requirements, and

self-esteem desires. The police can comprehend people’s social life and foresee criminal

conduct, assisting in stopping unwanted behavior before it occurs (Peak and Giacomazzi, 2018).

The courts could adapt Maslow’s model to enhance effective communication in criminal justice

establishments by addressing the physical requirements such as protection and security, and self-

esteem requirements in the court settings.

Connection

There is some linkage between the administrator's requirements and Maslow's model

regarding the importance of being mindful of and respecting people's rights. Maslow positioned

that the basic requirements of a person had to be well met as they have priority over other

requirements and that individuals are motivated to gain specific requirements via certain

conducts. This relays to the administrator's requirement to be mindful of and respect civil rights.

When an officer is cognizant and respects the civil rights of suspects when being arrested, they
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are probably enthused to collaborate (Peak and Giacomazzi, 2018). In the law court, being

conscious and respecting the defendants' civil rights guarantees justice. In correctional facilities,

it could reduce re-offense and improve effective integration into society.

In conclusion, Maslow’s model would be valuable in the criminal justice system when

using various leadership theories. In the criminal justice system, Maslow’s theory influences

effective communication and is linked to the officers' need to respect people's civil rights. ERG

Theory is the motivational theory that could be applied in courts, law enforcement, and jails.

References

Acquah, A., Nsiah, T. K., Antie, E. N. A., & Otoo, B. (2021). Literature Review on Theories of

Motivation. EPRA International Journal of Economic and Business Review, 9(5), 25–29.

https://eprajournals.com/jpanel/upload/2.EPRA%20JOURNALS%20-6848.pdf
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Holden, R. N., & Holden, R. N. (1986). Modern police management. Englewood Cliffs, New

Jersey: Prentice-Hall.

Peak, K. J., & Giacomazzi, A. (2018). Justice Administration: Police, Courts, and Corrections

Management (9th ed.). Pearson Education (US).

https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9780134871554