Question

Explain Maslow's Need Hierarchy Theory:

Answer 1

Abraham H. Maslow, an American psychologist has developed a classification of human needs known as Hierarchy of Needs. According to him human needs can be classified into five categories as given below:

1. Psychological needs: These include need for air, water, food and many others. These are the most basic needs and must be satisfied. Satisfaction of such needs is essential for maintaining human life.
2. Security needs: These include physical safety against danger, economic security against old age people. A person wants shelter, clothing. These provide freedom from fear. An employer can satisfy safety security needs of his employees by offering job security, gratuity, pension.
3. Social needs: Man is social in nature. He needs love, affection, a sense of belonging, friendship etc. Organizations can satisfy these needs by encouraging team building.
4. Esteem needs: These include self esteem and esteem of others. Self- esteem means self -confidence. Esteem of others means power, prestige, independence and recognition from others.
5. Self -actualisation needs: Self-actualisation needs refer to need to grow and self fulfillment. They are psychological and infinite since there is no limit to progress.