Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Chaquoya Jones
Ian MacLeod
EP 614
ABSTRACT
Maslow's concept of hierarchical needs is a well-known theory that proposes that human
information about the complexity of human motivation. This concept remains a relevant and
complete perspective on the diverse needs that force human behavior. It offers a basis for
achievement, and fulfillment. By recognizing and addressing these needs, individuals and
companies can harness the energy of motivation to meet their goals, satisfaction, and
Performance.
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Introduction
significantly influences individuals' behavior toward achieving their goals and success.
Motivation has been identified as essential in helping people unlock their full potential in
various areas of their life, like education, work, and personal growth. Understanding what
motivates individuals to realize their potential and success has proven crucial.
Multiple motivational theories have been used to help better comprehend the factors
behavior and how to help enhance their potential. The theories explain the complexity of the
psychological process, i.e., Specific individuals' actions, the sustaining efforts, and the
persistence people show in the face of various challenges that affect human motivation.
Scholars and psychologists have developed motivational theories over time and have been
needs. Abraham Maslow designed this theory to provide a psychological framework that can
be used to describe and understand human motivation. The theory suggests that human
levels include psychological needs at the lowest point. It explores the fundamental needs like
food, shelter, and clothing that are essential to the proper functioning of the human body. The
next level is safety (Shoib et al., 2022). People are mainly concerned with their security and
safety across various areas of life, like financial and job security and stability. Third is love
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and belonging (Hopper, 2020). Individuals constantly seek intimacy, relationships, and a
The next level is esteem needs which mainly focuses on the individual requirements
for recognition in one form or another. The final level is self-actualization which covers the
developmental needs that people experience (Hopper, 2020). According to Maslow, humans
are motivated to achieve their needs in order. This theory has significantly influenced
psychology, self-help, and motivational theories. This paper will delve into Maslow's theory
of hierarchical needs and explore its literature review across various scholarly articles within
Literature review
environments. Virtual technology has played a role in individuals realizing their hierarchical
needs, especially in their online presence. Ghatak and Singh (2019) set to understand the link
between social media adaptation, Facebook, and Maslow's theory of hierarchical needs. Their
study was qualitative and descriptive, with a sample size of 287 respondents. They used
questionnaires to collect the information and responses from their participants. The
researchers ensured to cover the various levels of Maslow's theories. According to Ghatak
and Singh, the results of their research were that social media adoption is linked to and
follows Maslow's theory of hierarchical needs which can be effective for companies when
Motivation has been noted to influence employees' performance and work satisfaction.
needs, especially following Maslow's theory of hierarchical needs. The study focused on
health organizations in Romania. The research data was collected from 824 employees
through a survey. The study's main findings were that employees from the Romania health
organizations were highly motivated when their higher hierarchical needs, self-actualization,
were met than their lower hierarchical needs. According to Stefan et al. (2020), the findings
provided a perfect platform for policymakers in the health sector in Romanian to design
(2022), Maslow's theory of hierarchical needs provides an excellent framework that could be
used to design interventions for mental issues among healthcare employees and increase job
satisfaction.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, people were noted to follow Maslow's theory of
hierarchal needs. According to Bozyiğit (2021), the idea has been at the end of various critics,
particularly that the order of hierarchal needs would not always be followed and that people
will sometimes perceive specific higher needs as important than lower-level needs. However,
Bozyiğit (2021) states that during the covid-19 pandemic and the disaster, people followed
this theory perfectly. During these periods, the primary individual concerns were acquiring
food; consequently, they could disregard their safety to get food. Additionally, this saw
different states' heavy investment in the food and healthcare sectors. To meet their safety
need, people interacted through online platforms such that companies would hold meeting
various institutions and businesses. According to Abbas (2020), meeting the hierarchal needs
quality in higher education from the students' perspectives while using Maslow's theory of
hierarchical needs. The data was collected from 43 students through interviews and focused
sessions. The research findings generated several themes, i.e., teaching quality, staff quality,
safety, and security, that students used to define service quality in their institutions. The
themes all followed Maslow's theory of hierarchical needs. According to Abbas (2020), this
provided insight into the new service quality indicators in higher education institutions.
case studies. Through the Performance of the theory, the employees could meet their
adjusted their strategies to Maslow's theory contributed to shaping the current working ethics
Individuals are faced with various challenges, like political problems. According to
Dutil (2022), Maslow's theory of hierarchal needs offers an opportunity for young students
and individuals to use it to handle the various political problems that they experience. The
model is intuitive and approachable, thus helping them organize and think critically as they
The article by Maslow and Lewis (1987) addresses Maslow's theory of human
motivation by emphasizing the importance of protection, love, and esteem needs. It offers
valuable insights into child development, the effect of a peaceful environment, the
significance of love and belongingness, and the outcomes of unmet desires. Healthy
these needs. For instance, when analyzing safety and security in a family setting, the presence
of both parents is vital in meeting the protection of youngsters and making them feel secure
(Maslow & Lewis, 1987). Children choose a safe, orderly, and predictable world where they
can depend on all-effective parents to shield them from harm. It aligns with Maslow's theory,
which identifies protection as an essential requirement for human motivation (Maslow &
Lewis, 1987). Children raised in loving and secure families show fewer fear responses than
Further, while addressing love and belongingness, these authors argue that the absence
(Maslow & Lewis, 1987). In Maslow's theory, the preference for social connections, intimate
relationships, and a sense of belonging is vital to gain fulfillment. However, the ambivalence
and restrictions society often places on love and affection contribute to dissatisfaction with
these needs (Maslow & Lewis, 1987). They also argue that neurosis and esteem needs are
essential in adult psychopathology and children's development. People will regularly seek
appreciation, attention, and recognition, which, if not fulfilled, can lead to neurotic behavior
(Maslow & Lewis, 1987). Maslow's theory acknowledges esteemed wishes as essential
motivators, encompassing the preference for achievement, confidence, independence, and the
Further, Pregoner et al. (2020) also examined the effect of cooking as a hobby on
cooks in the context of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. The study's findings advocate that
Maslow's theoretical framework is applicable and relevant for learning about the impact of
cooking on cooks. The studies found that cooking provides cooks with an experience of
control, social and cultural belongingness, and a connection to their family roots. It also
enhances their self-efficacy and social esteem, permitting them to showcase their creativity
and expand their tremendous self-esteem (Pregoner et al., 2020). additionally, the study
highlighted that cooking has therapeutic elements for upcoming chefs, a reduced sense of
time, intense sensory stimulation, and altered conscious states. Pregoner et al. (2020) assert
that serving the cooked product has become recognized as a therapeutic issue in cooking. The
study demonstrates how cooking aligns with the diverse desires outlined in Maslow's
Similarly, research by Stewart et al. (2018) found that personnel within the Romanian
healthcare system are often motivated by meeting higher-level needs, particularly self-
actualization, with decreased-level desires having a lesser effect. The results provide insights
for policymakers and bosses, suggesting the significance of designing and implementing
tailor their strategies to create an environment that fosters satisfaction and higher Performance
by understanding the precise needs that force motivation amongst personnel. Maslow's
concept of needs may be implemented in the context of worker motivation and overall
Conclusively, the literature explored has established the relevance and implications of
practices, and political problem-solving. The findings highlight the importance of fulfilling
basic physiological and protection wishes, fostering love and belongingness, and
acknowledging the importance of esteem and self-actualization. This theory provides relevant
insights and practical implications for diverse fields, from advertising and marketing
campaigns and motivational techniques to improving provider quality and employee job
satisfaction.
Physiological requirements, such as food, water, and shelter, are at the core of
Maslow's Hierarchy. These needs are essential for surviving, and satisfying them influences
consumers' decisions. The accessibility and price of various goods and services significantly
influence consumer choices. As one moves up the organization, safety needs become more
critical. Customers seek safety and defense against potential hazards, including physical
injury, unstable finances, and other dangers. This demand for safety influences consumer
choices about insurance, home security systems, and dependable goods that provide a sense
of security. Marketers frequently highlight their goods' safety features and warranties to meet
this demand. Consumers' focus shifts to social demands when physiological and safety needs
have been met. These requirements include the need for social connection, belonging, and
love. Customers make decisions that support the development and maintenance of their social
networks, such as choosing goods or experiences that raise their social standing, encourage
affiliation, or encourage social engagement. The effect of social demands may be observed in
consuming high-end commodities, things linked with social status, and fashion accessories.
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Esteem needs refer to the need for respect from others, self-esteem, and accomplishment
acknowledgment. Customers look for goods and services that improve their perceptions of
themselves, give them more self-assurance, and make them more appealing to others. This
demand for respect influences consumer choices for personal grooming, clothing, luxury
items, and branded goods that imply success and prestige. Self-actualization is at the very top
of Maslow's Hierarchy, according to Wang (2019). Self-actualization is the urge for personal
place a higher value on goods and experiences consistent with their values, interests, and
objectives. They may pursue personal growth, travel, adventure, creativity, or hobbies.
decision-making is significant in several ways. To begin with, marketers must recognize the
demands of their target market and then tailor their products, services, and marketing
messages to meet those needs (Usta, 2023). Marketers may strategically position their offers
and develop enticing value propositions by understanding and appealing to the unique
demands that influence customer behavior. Second, marketers must understand that they
might differ across various demographic groups. Younger consumers could place a higher
value on social needs and self-expression, whereas elderly consumers might place a higher
value on safety and self-esteem requirements (Usta, 2023). Better outcomes may be obtained
predominant demands.
Furthermore, group dynamics and cultural influences are also impacted by Maslow's
Hierarchy, which goes beyond the level of the individual. Consumer demands and desires are
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influenced by cultural, social, and environmental aspects, claim Saáry et al. (2021). Marketers
must take into account these outside factors and modify their plans accordingly. They may
Theory of Hierarchical Needs with other theories, offering a more comprehensive framework
for deciphering and treating motivational processes. Researchers can better understand the
complexity of human motivation and its many influencing elements by fusing Maslow's
theory with other ideas. One of the motivational theories that may be used with Maslow's
requirements for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are at the center of SDT (Deptola,
2021). Competence pertains to the desire to feel adequate and capable, relatedness highlights
the need for social ties and a sense of belonging, and autonomy refers to the need for self-
direction and control over one's actions. Combining Maslow's theory with SDT enables a
more complex understanding of how psychological demands are met. Maslow's theory
emphasizes the Hierarchy of wants, whereas SDT emphasizes the significance of meeting
and safety requirements, which are at the bottom of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, is required
but insufficient for motivation and well-being. Additionally, people must feel competent,
linked, and autonomous to thrive and have innate drive. For instance, even if a person's
physical and safety requirements are addressed, they may still feel unsatisfied or lose
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motivation if they lack autonomy or believe their work is beneath them (Mahomed &
Rothmann, 2019). Researchers and practitioners may create interventions and methods that
address the Hierarchy of needs and the satisfaction of intrinsic psychological needs by
combining Maslow's theory with SDT, hence fostering the highest levels of motivation and
wellbeing.
used with Maslow's Theory of Hierarchical Needs. The craving for success, power, and
allegiance is the emphasis of AMT. Affiliation stresses the desire for social relationships and
a sense of belonging, whereas achievement and power are related to the drive to excel and
complete complex tasks (Tantoh, 2023). By considering the Hierarchy of needs and the
particular motivations that influence behavior, the integration of Maslow's theory with AMT
offers a more thorough explanation of motivation. The combination of Maslow's theory and
AMT shows that individual disparities in Performance, power, and affiliation motives can
impact the satisfaction of higher-level wants, including esteem and self-actualization. For
example, People with a high need for success could be more driven to pursue self-
actualization and work toward personal progress. In contrast, people with a high need for
power might be more driven to seek influence and recognition in their particular industries
(Waldan, 2020). Researchers may examine the interaction between hierarchical needs and
particular motives by fusing Maslow's theory with AMT. This results in a more significant
Maslow's theory and self-efficacy theory have been combined to show that people's
by their perceptions of competence and self-efficacy. For instance, people with high self-
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efficacy may be more driven to take on complex tasks and work toward self-actualization. In
contrast, people with low self-efficacy may be more reluctant or disheartened about pursuing
their higher-level needs (Zainualdin et al., 2019). Practitioners and educators may develop
treatments and techniques that strengthen people's self-efficacy, fostering motivation and
wellbeing by considering how self-efficacy beliefs affect the quest for self-actualization and
personal growth.
Maslow's Theory of Hierarchical Needs has been frequently quoted and is influential,
yet it has certain drawbacks. Although the theory offers a valuable framework for
comprehending human motivation, it has received criticism and has several drawbacks that
need to be noted. The general application of Maslow's theory is one of its key drawbacks.
According to the idea, everyone exhibits the same pattern of wants and motives since the
Hierarchy of needs is similar across persons and cultures (Barnes, 2021). However, studies
have shown that individual and cultural variations may significantly impact how requirements
are prioritized. A person's Hierarchy of needs may vary depending on their own experiences
and ideals, and different cultures may place more emphasis on some wants than others
(Barnes, 2021). Therefore, the theory's rigid hierarchical structure may not accurately capture
data, which is another weakness. The hypothesis has been critiqued for lacking empirical
support, even though it is intuitive and consistent with everyday experiences (Desmet &
Fokkinga, 2020). Instead of a thorough scientific analysis, Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, from
outline precise standards or quantifiable metrics for identifying when a need is met and when
people move on to the next stage (Desmet & Fokkinga, 2020). It has caused some academics
Maslow's theory also holds that needs must be addressed in a particular order, with
higher-level demands only becoming motivating after lower-level needs have been satisfied.
Real-world events, however, frequently contradict this logical trend. Depending on the
situation, people may simultaneously seek several wants or have shifting priorities (Ttefan et
al., 2020). For instance, a person with financial instability can put safety concerns ahead of
demands for social connection. The theory's linear structure needs to represent this dynamic
The approach also downplays how social and environmental variables affect
motivation. Maslow's emphasis on meeting individual needs ignores how social, cultural, and
motivation and conduct, including social standards, economic situations, cultural values, and
internal demands. The theory does not consider the intricate interactions between internal and
Another drawback is the need for more focus on self-transcendence and progress
although he did not wholly include it in his theory (Mahip, 2022). The idea mostly ignores the
more expansive facets of human existence, such as spirituality, collective well-being, and the
quest for meaning and purpose beyond the self, in favor of individualistic goals and personal
growth.
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progression from lower to higher levels of wants, but in practice, people might regress to
lower levels of demands due to numerous life events (Agustina et al., 2020). For instance, a
person who has attained self-actualization can experience a significant life tragedy that forces
them to return to prioritizing safety requirements. The theory's linear growth does not
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory is still valuable and essential for
comprehending human motivation. The literature study emphasized this theory's use in
several areas, such as management techniques, political problem-solving, the use of social
media, employee motivation and Performance, and mental health interventions. The research
requirements, promote love and a sense of belonging, and acknowledge esteem and self-
Maslow's theory may be combined with other theories of motivation, such as the Self-
Determination Theory and the Achievement Motivation Theory, to provide a more thorough
hierarchical requirements and particular motives and highlights how dynamic and continually
Hierarchy of requirements affects people's physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-
actualization demands. Utilizing this knowledge, marketers may modify their goods, services,
and marketing messages to suit the requirements of their target market better.
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