Hierarchy of needs and motivation
Human motivation is one of the multifaceted phenomenons. For decades, its complexity got sociologists, psychologists and business leaders completely intrigued. An influential theory within the area is the Hierarchy of Needs by Abraham Maslow. It outlines the progression of human needs. It does so from the basic psychological needs to self-actualization’s abstract concepts. Along with the theory depicting the hierarchy of needs and motivation, there are various other theories. They offer a nuanced understanding of what exactly drives human behaviour.
Hierarchy of needs and motivation
The Hierarchy of Needs theory is depicted as a pyramid. It has five levels that are to be achieved in a sequence. From base to upwards, the five levels are,
- Physiological Needs- water, food, and shelter
- Safety and Security- physical safety and financial stability
- Social Needs- friendships, relationships and the sense of belonging
- Esteem Needs- respect, recognition and self-esteem
- Self-actualization- personal potential and self-fulfilment.
The theory here suggests that people remain motivated to fulfil needs in a specific order. When the needs at the lower level are satisfied, individuals focus on the higher-level needs. Such a hierarchy model is instrumental in fields like education, psychology, business management and more. It helps to understand as well as enhance human motivation.
Motivation Need Theory
The Maslow theory offers a broad framework, while the other motivation need theories give varied perspectives. To say, the Two-Factor theory by Frederick Herzberg divides motivation into hygiene factors and motivators. The hygiene factors herein, like work conditions and salary, don’t inherently motivate, but if inadequate, they do lead towards dissatisfaction. The motivators like achievement, recognition and responsibility, on the other hand, inspire the individuals for performing better.
One other significant theory is the ERG Theory by Clayton Alderfer. It condenses the five levels of Maslow into 3 core needs.
- Existence
- Relatedness
- Growth
As per Alderfer, the needs aren’t strictly hierarchical. It can be pursued in a simultaneous way. The theory acknowledges that humans need to be more adaptable and fluid than what’s suggested by the proper structure of Maslow.
Intrinsic Motivation vs. Extrinsic Motivation
An essential aspect to understand the motivation is extrinsic and intrinsic motivation distinction.
Intrinsic Motivation
- It refers to engagement in the activity for the inherent satisfaction and not the separable consequence.
- People driven by this motivation find activity done as rewarding. For example, students will study right when it’s all about gaining knowledge.
Extrinsic Motivation
- It includes the performance of a behaviour for earning external rewards or trying to avoid punishment.
- To say, the students will study hard to get good grades
Either way, both motivations remain crucial. They can coexist. But to foster intrinsic motivation is entirely sustainable. It leads towards a high creativity level and better engagement. Within professional and educational settings, creating an environment that could support intrinsic motivations leads towards long-lasting and profound success.
Application of Hierarchy of Needs and Motivation in Workplace
Understanding the theories of motivation comes with practical applications, in particular in the workplace. The employers recognizing the diverse needs of the employees could create a much more motivating as well as satisfying work environment.
To address the varied levels of Herzberg’s motivators and Maslow’s Hierarchy, the following can help.
- Implementation of a flexible work schedule
- Professional development opportunities
- Acknowledgement of achievements
Moreover, to understand the balance between the extrinsic and intrinsic motivators could help the employers with the designing of reward systems that incentivizes performance and also fosters genuine engagement and also job satisfaction.
Conclusion
The hierarchy theory of motivation and needs offers some valuable insight into what actually drives human behaviour. While the pyramid of Maslow’s theory gives foundational understanding, the other theories add needed flexibility and depth to comprehension. It is with recognition and addressing of the extrinsic and intrinsic motivators that the individuals and the organizations could create an environment meeting basic needs while inspiring and sustaining a high level of fulfilment and achievement. Understanding all such dynamics is imp to anyone who looks to motivate others and themselves, effectively.
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