Maslow's hierarchy of human needs theory
Psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed that people attempt to satisfy needs in the following hierarchy:
- physiological needs — such as food and water for survival
- safety needs — such as a sense of stability or security
- social needs — such as a sense of belongingness or the development of relationships
- esteem needs — such as recognition , prestige, or a sense of competence
- self-actualisation needs — the need for self-fulfilment; to grow and use abilities to the fullest or most creative extent.
Both lower order needs (physiological, safety and social), and higher order needs (esteem and self-actualisation) can affect workplace behaviour and attitudes. Lower order needs tend to be satisfied by extrinsic rewards, whereas higher order needs are met by intrinsic rewards.