Maslow Motivation Theory

The Maslow motivation theory is one of the best known and most influential theories on workplace motivation. Psychologist Abraham Maslow first developed his famous theory of individual development and motivation in the 1940's. He suggested that human beings have a hierarchy of needs. That is, that all humans act in a way which will address basic needs, before moving on to satisfy other, so-called higher level needs.

Maslow represented this theory as a hierarchical triangle. This shows how basic needs must be met before one can "climb" the hierarchy, to address more complex needs. For example, first one must meet the basic, physiological need for food, water and warmth. After that the focus would be on the need to be safe, then the need to belong to social groups, and so on up the hierarchy. The important thing to recognize is Maslow's contention that one's sense of well-being. i.e. the 'feelgood factor' increases as the higher level needs are met.

Do you want to know the essentials of Maslow Motivation Theory in a minute? This is one of our Manage in a Minute pages. These contain essential tips on fundamental management topics. No fuss or side-tracks, they get straight to the point. Here, in a series of bullet points which can be read in a minute (ish!)., are some essentials ways to understand motivation in the workplace.

Maslow Motivation Theory: the Hierarchy of Needs

Understanding Maslow's Needs Hierarchy

If you have the time, you may like to read more on this topic, for example about peak performance and flow. Or you may find it useful to look at the detailed discussions in some of our related articles on Workplace Motivation.

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