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being. The satisfaction of social needs makes esteem needs more salient. Esteem
needs refer to the desire to be respected by one’s peers, feeling important, and being
appreciated. Finally, at the highest level of the hierarchy, the need for self-
actualization refers to “becoming all you are capable of becoming.” This need

manifests itself by acquiring new skills, taking on new challenges, and behaving in a
way that will lead to the satisfaction of one’s life goals.
Figure 14.4 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Source: Adapted from Maslow, A. H. (1954). Motivation and personality. New
York: Harper.
Maslow’s hierarchy is a systematic way of thinking about the different needs
employees may have at any given point and explains different reactions they may
have to similar treatment. An employee who is trying to satisfy her esteem needs may
feel gratified when her supervisor praises her. However, another employee who is
trying to satisfy his social needs may resent being praised by upper management in
front of peers if the praise sets him apart from the rest of the group.
So, how can organizations satisfy their employees’ various needs? By
leveraging the various facets of the planning-organizing-leading-controlling (P-O-L-
C) functions. In the long run, physiological needs may be satisfied by the person’s
paycheck, but it is important to remember that pay may satisfy other needs such as
safety and esteem as well. Providing generous benefits, including health insurance
and company-sponsored retirement plans, as well as offering a measure of job
security, will help satisfy safety needs. Social needs may be satisfied by having a
friendly environment, providing a workplace conducive to collaboration and
communication with others. Company picnics and other social get-togethers may also
be helpful if the majority of employees are motivated primarily by social needs (but

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