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ABRAHAM MASLOW’S CONTRIBUTION TO ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR

Motivation is a word used to refer to the reason or reasons for engaging in a particular

behavior, especially human behavior as studied in psychology and neuropsychology. These

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

influences can be either external or internal.

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

personality that has influenced a number of different fields, including education.

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

put into words.

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

what others think about us: all we want is to get better.

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

what motivates us, and so on.

The needs, are listed according to Maslow's from basic (lowest, earliest) to most complex

(highest, latest) are as follows:


The Five Stage Hierarchy of Needs

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,

sleep. If we are unwell, then little else matters until we recover.

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

helpful and kind to others they will want us as friends.


4. Esteem Needs are for a higher position within a group. If people respect us, we have

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

for children and adolescents and precedes real self-esteem or dignity.

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”

How to Use Maslow's Hierarchy in Our Daily Life

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.

 My interest in medicine was my biggest motivation to study chemistry.

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

a direct effect on performance of staff and therefore the organization.

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

home life, can de-motivate during work:

 The use of unfamiliar terminology

 High levels of stress

 Outside influences preventing staff carrying out their work

 Direct criticism

 Accusative company policies such as automatic sickness reviews regardless of

circumstance

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