MASLOW'S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs



Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Name of Theory

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Epistemological Paradigm Of The Theory

A concept originally conceived of by Maslow in 1943 in the context of his theory of human motivation. The theory assumes that human motivation is arranged in a hierarchy, such that needs that have the greatest urgency will dominate behavior. Needs, which range in order of importance, include essentials for life (physiological needs), economic and physical safety and well-being, belonging and intimacy, esteem and approval, and finally self actualization (Maslow, 1954).

Self-actualization is the instinctual need to fulfill one's creative, moral, and intellectual potential. Lower-order needs must be met before motivation can be dominated by the higher-order needs. As an individual moves upward in the hierarchy of needs, needs in the lower levels will no longer be prioritized. However, if and when a lower set of needs is no longer being met, the individual will reprioritize those needs while not losing motivation to maintain the higher-order needs. Research has supported the position that lower-order needs do take precedence over higher-order needs, but critics have suggested that Maslow's hierarchy is too simplistic and too rigid to explain the motivation of those who cannot meet the lower-order needs but still strive for the higher-order needs. For more information, see Maslow (1943) and Neher (1991).

Epistemological Paradigm Underlying The Theory

Theoretical models of motivation attempt to explain why individuals choose to engage in a particular activity. Motivation theories often include four stages or levels of involvement: (1) initiation—reasons for engaging in an activity, how to instigate or encourage entry; (2) direction—why one engages, refuses, avoids, or exerts effort toward engagement; (3) intensity—effort and concentration during engagement; and (4) persistence—how long one continues the activity, especially in the face of challenge, hardship, or temporary failure.

The role of intrinsic or extrinsic motivation is also a common factor of interest. Intrinsic motivation involves having a personal stake, or personally valuing some facet(s) of the activity. When the impetus, reward, or encouragement is external, both endurance and persistence fade if the external forces diminish or disappear (DeCarvalho, 1991).

Ontological Assumption of Epistemological Paradigm

Control theory and drive reduction theory state that a deficiency or need motivates people. If the need is met, motivation levels decrease, unless the needs are persistent or recurring. For example, the power of hunger may drive us toward certain behaviors; since we know that it will occur again, we might continue the behavior pattern so that hunger will not recur.

Axiological Assumption of Epistemological Paradigm

Cognitive dissonance theory is also a drive reduction theory, explaining motivation in terms of problem solving. Usually, two contradictory cognitive concepts are encountered, so we are moved to action to eliminate discomfort and restore cognitive equilibrium. Holland (1997) and other career theorists suggest that people are motivated toward goals related to vocational preferences; the stronger our interest or commitment toward a vocational area, the more motivated we are to work and sacrifice in order to meet the vocation-related goals (Maslow, ...