Maslow Theory, Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow theory is very popular in various psychological and business studies. This theory is known as the hierarchy of needs. Maslow theory Is a psychological theory introduced by Abraham Maslow in his paper, "A Theory of Human Motivation", in Psychological Review in 1943.
Maslow assumes that humans have basic needs at low levels that must be met or at least sufficiently met before the needs at higher levels.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs argues that these human needs are stratified and before they can satisfy the needs at the next level, the needs at the previous level must be met first.
Here is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:
- Physiological needs (physiological needs).
- Safety needs (want a sense of security).
- Love and belongingness needs.
- Esteem needs.
- Self-actualization needs.
The background of Maslow theory
The concept of the hierarchy of basic needs began when Maslow observed the behavior of one of the mammals, monkeys. He did research and concluded that some needs outweigh others. This research inspiring Maslow for a basic concept of basic human needs.
For example, humans who feel thirsty or hungry are more likely to try to quench their thirst than the need for security. Some people may be willing to risk their lives for food and drink needs. Individuals can live without permanent residence, this makes food and drinking needs more urgent to be fulfilled.
These needs are often referred to by Maslow as basic needs which are described as a hierarchy or tiered pyramid. This pyramid describes the level of order of needs. A terraced hierarchy or pyramid describes a ladder that can only be passed one by one. Like humans won't find a place to live before they can eat.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can be seen in more detail at the following five levels:
1. Physiological Needs
Physiological needs are the most basic needs that must be met properly for an individual. These needs include clothing, food and shelter. For example the needs of eating, drinking, housing, sex, rest to maintain health.
2. Safety needs
Safety and security needs are second only to the first ones being met. In this second stage of needs, an individual wants a sense of security to be fulfilled. Basically, this need for security leads to two forms, namely: the need for security of life and the need for security of property.
3. Love and belongingness needs
Social needs are the third needs after the second needs are met. This need includes a person's feelings such as having love, affection, a happy family with a husband / wife and having children from a legal marriage, joining in social organizations. Social needs here pay attention to someone who needs recognition or respect from others.
4. Esteem needs
Esteem needs is the fourth need after the third need is met. In this need someone includes the desire to gain self-esteem. Self-esteem or self-respect: this depends on a desire for strength, competence, freedom, and independence. Esteem need also includes achievement motivation. At this stage a person has a strong desire to pay attention to his achievements, and wants that achievement to get appreciation from others.
5. Self-actualization needs
Self-actualization is the highest need in Maslow's theory. At this stage a person wants to fulfill his desire for self-actualization, that is, he wants to use his potential and actualize it in the form of self-development. This condition is applied in the form of work that is more than just routine, but also challenging and full of creativity, with extraordinary works and feels very worthy of being appreciated by others.
Implementation of Maslow's Theory
According to Abraham Maslow, the needs of all people are as described above. Before you want to think about the needs at the following levels, we must first meet the needs at the previous levels. But it must be remembered that everyone's needs are not the same. Although everyone's needs must be met, what they perceive as sufficient can be different.
There is a popular story as an example in this case. Vincent van Gogh was a famous Dutch painter. During his lifetime, he was known to have few possessions and only a desire to paint.
In this case, many claim that he was already at the last stage of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, even though other needs were not being met. He did not have many friends, his social community did not see him as a fulfilling citizen, and his physiological needs were very basic.
However, according to Maslow, in this case, it was not the other needs that have not been fulfilled, but they have been fulfilled. This was what makes Vincent van Gogh have his own need for actualization, such as developing and selling the paintings he makes.
Van Gogh's needs have been fulfilled because according to him, just having basic needs was enough to live on. He did not want friendship, his social needs have been met, he was not afraid, his security needs have been met, and so were other needs.
There was someone whose social needs were satisfied by only having 1 or 2 interactions with friends per month. However, it may be that other people have to interact every day with many people to satisfy their social needs.
This shows that all people have different levels of needs. If you are a businessman, you must be able to motivate employees by understanding the needs of your employees. After we understand their needs, then we can motivate them.
