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Motivation is a word used to refer to the reason or reasons for engaging in a particular
reasons may include basic needs such as food or a desired object, hobbies, goal, state of being, or
ideal. The motivation for a behavior may also be attributed to less-apparent reasons such as
altruism or morality.
Most people have experienced changes in ‘drive’, Changes in the levels of motivation can
be very subtle and can be the result of the sum of several influences rather than one. These
Human beings have wants and desires which influence their behavior; only unsatisfied
needs can influence behavior, satisfied needs cannot. Since needs are many, they are arranged in
order of importance, from the basic to the complex. The person advances to the next level of
needs only after the lower level need is at least minimally satisfied. The further the progress up
the hierarchy, the more individuality, humanness and psychological health a person will show.
Abraham Maslow was born in New York in 1908 and died in 1970, although various
publications appear in Maslow's name in later years. Maslow's PhD in psychology in 1934 at the
University of Wisconsin formed the basis of his motivational research, initially studying rhesus
monkeys. Maslow later moved to New York's Brooklyn College. Maslow's original five-stage
Hierarchy of Needs model is clearly and directly attributable to Maslow; developed a theory of
This wide influence is due in part to the high level of practicality of Maslow's theory
model in 1940-50's USA, This theory accurately describes many realities of personal
experiences. Many people find they can understand what Maslow says. They can recognize some
features of their experience or behavior which is true and identifiable but which they have never
A key aspect of the model is the hierarchical nature of the needs. Maslow's hierarchy of
needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often
depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. The lower the needs in the hierarchy, the more
fundamental they are and the more a person will tend to abandon the higher needs in order to pay
attention to sufficiently meeting the lower needs. For example, when we are ill, we care little for
Maslow (1943, 1954) stated that people are motivated to achieve certain needs and that
some needs take precedence over others. Our most basic need is for physical survival, and this
will be the first thing that motivates our behavior. Once that level is fulfilled the next level up is
The needs, are listed according to Maslow's from basic (lowest, earliest) to most complex
1. Physiological Needs are to do with the maintenance of the human body. These are
biological requirements for human survival, e.g. air, food, drink, shelter, clothing, warmth, sex,
2. Safety Needs are about putting a roof over our heads and keeping us from harm. If we are
rich, strong and powerful, or have good friends, we can make ourselves safe. This is about
protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear.
3. Belonging Needs introduce our tribal nature. The need for interpersonal relationships
motivates behavior. Examples include friendship, intimacy, trust, and acceptance, receiving and
giving affection and love. Affiliating, being part of a group (family, friends, work). If we are
greater power. Maslow classified this need into two categories: (i) esteem for oneself (dignity,
achievement, mastery, independence) and (ii) the desire for reputation or respect from others
(e.g., status, prestige). Maslow indicated that the need for respect or reputation is most important
5. Self-Actualization Needs are to 'become what we are capable of becoming', which would
our greatest achievement. This is about realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking
personal growth and peak experiences. A desire “to become everything one is capable of
becoming”
Below are some statements and scenario that help us appreciate Maslow’s contribution:
1. The need to communicate in English can be a good motivation for learning English
pronunciation.
Her teacher told her that she had made much progress, and this increased her motivation
to keep on learning.
2. Some people do not have motivation to change the way they live.
The lazy learner needs a bit of motivation to help him get through the pain of learning.
Within the organization: Across a broad range of sectors, including the business and
industrial community, there is broad agreement that staff motivation is important and has
De-Motivators Harmful decisions taken by others that are outside of the individual’s control.
Setting too many personal goals, it is better to concentrate on one or two. Problems from, say
Direct criticism
circumstance