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3. HIERARCHY OF NEEDS

Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, advanced a theory of a hierarchy of needs.
Maslow assumed that people seek to satisfy a variety of needs. He assumed that they could be

arranged according to their importance in a sequence known as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs or
Maslow’s pyramid of needs.

At the most basic level there are physiological needs, the things we require to survive.

These needs include food and water, clothing, shelter, and sleep. In the employment context, these
needs are usually satisfied through adequate wages.

At the next level there are safety needs, the things we require for physical and emotional
security. Safety needs may be satisfied through job security, health insurance, pension plans, and

safe working conditions.
Next there are the social needs, the human requirements for love and affection and a sense

of belonging. To an extent, these needs can be satisfied through the work environment and the

informal organization. But social relationship beyond the workplace – with family and friends, for
example – are usually needed too.

5. Self-realization needs the uppermost level

4. Esteem needs

3. Social needs

2. Safety needs

1. Physiological needs the most basic level

At the level of esteem needs, we require respect and recognition (the esteem of others), as
well as a sense of our own accomplishment and worth (self-esteem). These needs may be satisfied

through personal accomplishment, promotion to more responsible jobs, various honors and awards,
and other forms of recognition.