Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

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The Hierarchy of needs is a theory proposed by prominent psychologist Abraham Maslow which suggests that the needs of human beings are hierarchically ranked. More basic needs need to be satisfied before we can thing about others. In the absence of the more basic needs, nothing else matters. As we satisfy these basic needs, we start looking to satisfy higher-order needs. Once a lower-level need is satisfied, it no longer serves as a motivator. For example, if a person is hungry, they will not be concerned with higher needs such as social interaction until the need for food is met. Once that need is met, the promise of food no longer serves as a motivator.

Hierarchy of Needs

Physiological Needs are the most basic on the hierarchy. These refer to the need for air, food and water.

Safety Needs ensures that individuals are safe from danger, pain or an uncertain future.

Social Needs refer to the need to bond with other human beings, to be loved, and to form lasting attachments. In fact, having no attachments can negatively affect health and well-being.

Esteem Needs refer to the desire to be respected by one's peers, feeling important, and being appreciated.

is the highest level in this model, and refers to "becomming all that you are capable of becomming." This need manifests itself by acquiring new skills, taking on new challenges, and behaving in a way that will lead to satisfaction in one's life goals.

In recent years, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs has been adapted to include 8 levels of needs rather than the traditional 5. You can view the 8 level model here:

Adapted 8 level Hierarchy of Needs diagram

You can also take a quick self-test based on the adapted 8-stage hierachy of needs here:

Adapted 8 level Hierarchy of Needs Test

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Derivative by Athivia College (2010), Original materials:

Erdogan, Berrin., Bauer, Talya., and Carpenter, Mason., Principles of Management. Retrieved Apr 15, 2010 from http://www.flatworldknowledge.com/node/28982.

Erdogan, Berrin, Bauer, Talya, , and Mason Carpenter. Principles of Management. 1969 . Flat World Knowledge. 15 Apr, 2010.

Adapted 8-stage information retrieved from www.businessballs.com:

© Alan Chapman/Businessballs 2003. Retrieved from www.businessballs.com 2010. Full source material at www.businessballs.com Not to be sold or published. Alan Chapman/the author(s)/Businessballs accepts no liability for any issues arising.