Motivation and Maslow’s Hierarchy of 5 essential Needs

Introduction

Motivation is an inner feeling that helps us to focus on our work. Without motivation, the outcomes won’t be satisfactory. For doing any work, we all need motivation.

Need Theory of Motivation

In 1954, Abraham Maslow gave his theory—the need theory of motivation. In his principle, he believed that every human has desires, jobs, and work that they need to complete, and motivation is the main factor for doing it properly and continuously. Whenever we feel that something is missing, which is needed, we try our utmost to get it. This activeness and dedication is motivation.

For example, a man wants a house but he doesn’t have enough money to build the house. So, he tries his best and works overtime to earn the money, and after so much hard work and dedication, he earns enough money to buy a house, along with a car too. Here, his lack of money was his need, and he actively worked to get it.

Maslow said that human needs can be explained in a hierarchy or stair form. According to him, there are five stages of needs that humans desire to get.

5 Stages of Need Theory of motivation:

1. Physical or physiological needs:

This is the lowest stage in the hierarchy. Oxygen, hunger, thirst, clothes, sex, rest, sleep, comfort, etc., are the basic human needs or physical needs. For example, a man first wants two meals and clothes and proper sleep.

All humans first want to satisfy these demands, and their efforts are directed toward the satisfaction of these basic needs. Satisfaction of these things is essential for the survival of human beings or any living things.

In schools, first, teachers should ensure that all the physical needs of students are fulfilled.

2. Safety needs:

After the basic needs, humans need safety and security. These demands become dominant after the previous needs are satisfied. For example – when a child goes to school for the first time, he cries due to fear of losing security and safety. A man needs a place, or even a small one, to call his home and to feel secure.

Schools should see to the safety of children in the school and make sure that students feel loved and safe.

3. Love or belonging needs:

Everyone needs love and to be loved, which leads to maintaining good relationships with other people. Everybody wants to find themselves in a group, like family, society, friend circle, school, staff, etc. Good relations motivate people to learn new things, adjust with others, etc. For example, after basic needs and safety, he now needs a family – a mother, father, wife, and children. A friend circle where he can be happy.

Schools should promote happy learning and provide a safe environment where each and every student feels loved and involved. This will make them motivated to learn.

4. Esteem needs:

Esteem needs mean social status, prestige, reputation, self-esteem, self-respect, etc. Every person wants to get a high position in other people’s eyes. They want a reputation from others. One feels hurt when his self-respect is injured. If this need is not satisfied, one may develop inferiority and feel neglected. Sufficient satisfaction of this need is essential to move forward toward the higher stage of the hierarchy freely and happily. Teachers should appreciate every student so that they will gain confidence and respect. The teacher should not insult the students in front of everyone, as they may feel humiliated.

5. Self-actualization needs:

Self-actualization is the highest stage in the hierarchy. It means maximum development of the person whatever he is capable of. A person who achieves self-actualization is free from the restraints of society and wants to attain perfection in all aspects of life. After achieving this, a person doesn’t need other’s appreciation to be respected. He knows his strengths and weaknesses as well.

This theory is also known as ‘Maslow’s Self-Actualization Theory’. Teachers should check if all these needs of the students are satisfied which leads to effective and meaningful learning.

Real-Life Applications of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:

• Workplace: Employers can boost productivity by meeting employees’ lower-level needs first, like a safe work environment, fair pay, and belonging through team-building activities and this will lead to higher motivation and job satisfaction.
• Education: Teachers can support students by meeting their basic needs (hunger, safety, emotional support) before expecting them to do higher-level cognitive tasks like creativity and problem-solving.
• Personal Development: You can use the hierarchy to identify which unmet needs are blocking your progress. For example, if you feel stuck in your career, it might be because of unmet esteem needs like recognition or self-confidence.
• Healthcare: Healthcare professionals can provide better care by considering patients’ needs beyond just the physical (physiological), like emotional well-being (belonging) and self-esteem.
• Parenting: Parents can use the hierarchy to ensure their children’s needs are met in the right order, physical care and safety before belonging, and helping them build self-esteem.

Criticism of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:

• Cultural Bias: Maslow’s theory is based on Western individualism and self-actualization, which may not apply to more collectivist cultures that prioritize community over personal growth.
• Lack of Scientific Evidence: There’s limited research to support the linear progression of needs. People pursue higher needs like esteem or self-actualization even when basic needs are not fully met.
• Over-Simplification: Human motivation is more complex than a simple hierarchy. Many factors, like personality, environment, and individual circumstances, influence how needs are prioritised.
• Neglect of Social Influence: The theory ignores the strong influence of societal structures, class, and inequalities on a person’s ability to meet their needs, implying everyone has equal opportunities to move through the levels.
• The Fluidity of Needs: Critics argue needs don’t always follow a strict order. For example, some people may prioritize love and belonging over safety or esteem needs.

Conclusion: Achieving Your Full Potential with Maslow’s Pyramid

Maslow’s hierarchy teaches us that motivation and personal development are closely tied to our needs. If you feel stuck in any area of life, you might just need to focus on filling a lower-level need before moving forward. Building a solid foundation—starting from your basic needs and moving upwards—can unlock the path to self-actualization, where you’re able to become the best version of yourself.