Maslow's Hierarchy at work

Quite often when we hear the name Maslow we think of psychology because thats probably the classroom we first heard the name in. Believe it or not, this psychological theory drags over to the business world as well. In my Management course we learned about how that same pyramid of needs is apparent in the work place.

The first level starts at the bottom with physiological. This refers to the basic human needs such as hunger, thirst, sleep,etc. The next level is safety which pertains to the need to assure that physiological needs will be met into the future. The first two levels can be satisfied by the same means in the work place. For example, an employees pay can satisfy those needs. If s/he is paid enough to live comfortably those levels are satisfied.

Looking upwards, we see the love/belonging level sometimes also known as the social level. This is the need to feel that we are an accepted part of a social unit. For example, subordinates are not likely to like a fellow subordinate if s/he does not do their work.

The next level we come across is esteem which is the need for recognition for what we do. Managers play a big role in satisfying this need. Employees will operate more efficiently and better if their work is recognized by a manager. Lastly, we have the level of self-actualization which is the need to be challenged. This level is also satisfied by a manager. Both of the last two levels can be satisfied by similar or combined rewards in the work place.

The pyramid works by starting at the bottom and once a need is satisfied, then its a managers job to identify the next need. Essentially, the manager needs to offer rewards that will satisfy the subordinates level of unsatisfied needs. However, there a few problems with applying this theory in the workplace. Often times it is difficult for the managers to identify what level the subordinates are on and even once they do, the level can shift. Another issue evolves because different people receiving the same rewards may be at different levels of needs. Lastly, people receiving different rewards tend to compare other subordinates's awards and compare. I do agree with applying the hierarchy of needs at work, but I do think managers need to put thorough thought prior to taking action.



Works cited:
FireflySixetySeven. Pyramid showing Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Digital image. Psychclassics.yorku.ca. N.p., 02 Nov. 2014. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.