Theory of Human Motivation
In 1943, Abraham Maslow proposed his Theory of Human
Motivation. This theory is a collection of five basic human
needs that humans must satisfy in a specific hierarchy. In
other words, the most basic needs are fulfilled in succession
as a road leading to the higher needs. This theory is usually
illustrated in a human motivation triangle. The most basic need
is at the base of the triangle, and the needs rise in
importance to the fifth, highest need at the top of the
pyramid. A sixth need, self-transcendence, is sometimes grouped
with the fifth, but often stands alone. Instead of studying
weak individuals to find exceptions to the rule, Maslow went
against the norm at the time and used exemplary subjects that
exhibited extraordinary intelligence and social standards, such
as Albert Einstein and Eleanor Roosevelt, in his study of human
motivation.
Physiological Needs
The first, basic needs at the base of the Human Motivation
pyramid are physiological needs. These needs include the needs
necessary for the body to survive, such as the need to breathe,
need to drink, need to regulate homeostasis, need to eat, and
need to dispose of bodily wastes. These are the needs that take
priority in the human’s ability to survive. All other needs are
second to these basic needs. If these needs are not fulfilled,
the individual will not only lack human motivation, but also
not be able to survive.
Safety Needs
The second section of the Human Motivation pyramid is safety
needs. After the basic physiological needs are satisfied, the
need for safety and security is necessary. Safety needs include
physical safety from harm, security of employment and finances,
family security, health security, and security of personal
property.
Love/Belonging Needs
The third layer of the Human Motivation pyramid is love and
belonging needs. These needs include the needs of friendship,
sexual intimacy, and a supportive family. An absence of these
feelings can produce loneliness, anxiety, and depression, and
may be associated with diseases such as hear disease. The sense
of love and belonging encourages a healthy individual.
Esteem Needs
The fourth level of the Human Motivation pyramid is esteem.
This includes being respected, having self-respect, and
respecting others. By engaging in activities with others, an
individual increases esteem. There are two basic levels of
esteem needs. The first level includes respect and fame. This
level is usually considered dependent on others for
reassurance. The second level includes confidence and
achievement. This level is less dependent on others.
Self-Actualization Needs
The fifth and top level of the Human Motivation pyramid is
self-actualization. This is the instinctual need for an
individual to make the most of unique abilities and to strive
to be the best. According to Maslow, individuals that have
achieved self-actualization are embracing of realities,
spontaneous in ideas, creative, interested in problem solving,
appreciate life, have a system of morality, and judge others
without prejudice.
Self-Transcendence Needs
This part of Human Motivation is often grouped with
self-actualization. This need includes spiritual needs. It is
often believed that self-actualization cannot be achieved
without self-transcendence, which is why this need is often
considered a sixth need. In other words, it is thought that an
individual cannot make the most of his/her unique abilities
without experiencing self-transcendence.
The Order of Needs
While Maslow’s human motivation theory indicates that these
needs must be obtained in order, many other researchers
disagree. Many researchers acknowledge the validity of the
needs, yet argue that the order has no meaning and believe that
the needs can be obtained in any order useful to the
individual. Theorists have also argued for discounting the need
for self-transcendence, due to the lack of standard religious
beliefs in many humans.
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