Theorist Abraham Maslow

Abstract

Theories of Abraham Maslow are widely known for the way they describe the various facets of human development and maturity. The research paper aims at developing an insight into the concepts presented by Maslow that reveal the complex scenario of human development. The paper also elaborates the significance of Maslow's theories for managers in terms of enhancing employee performance, competence and achieving organizational success.

Theorist Abraham Maslow

Introduction

Abraham Maslow (1908-1970), a well known American psychologist, has done logical and extensive work on theories related to human development and maturity. He presented various theories elaborating the multiple aspects of human psyche as well as mental and intellectual development of human beings. His theoretical works have greatly contributed towards the subjects of sociology, management, psychology and education. The most convincing part of Maslow's theories is their flexibility and compatibility with a wide array of situations that are directly related with understanding the multiple needs of human beings and motivating them to exhibit favorable behaviors.

Explanation and evaluation of the critical aspects of Maslow's work

Maslow's Holistic-Dynamic Theory

Abraham H. Maslow elaborated the holistic-dynamic theory in his famous book Toward a Psychology of Being. The main assumption embedded in the holistic-dynamic theory is that human beings are consistently motivated by one or multiple needs (Maslow, 1998). Hence, in order to reach the ideal level of psychological strength, commonly termed as self actualization, human needs are to be fulfilled appropriately (Maslow, 1998). Maslow (1998) regarded humans being as dynamic creatures who have an innate personality as well as a potential personality. In this theory, he emphasized on the significance of recognizing the actual and potential personality of an individual to navigate towards self- actualization. Maslow suggested that the human pursuit for self-identification is a natural ambition for attainment of psychological strength and stability. B-cognition is an important aspect of his theory that asserts that greatest need of a human to know himself and the world around him is constrained because of the fear associated with knowledge (Maslow, 1998).

In his theory, Freud has also commented on the concept of fear of oneself while Maslow's work is inclined towards the fear of outer world. The latter reveals that the ability to discover oneself is followed by an extensive pleasure, but is also accompanies with trepidation for the hazards and drastic responsibilities entailed by the procedure of knowing (Maslow, 1998). At this point, Maslow's reasoning has taken a slightly illogical note because the phenomenon related with fear of knowing cannot be applied to all human beings with extensive generality. A very strong idea integrated in this theoretical framework of Maslow is his consideration for the liberal will that enhances an individual's ability to make revolutionary and radical decisions.

Maslow's Theory of Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's theory on hierarchy of needs is the most influential and widely lauded work of Maslow. In this theory, Maslow asserts that a human must focus on satisfaction of needs in the lower level of hierarchy before navigating to the needs at a higher level to facilitate ...