maslow

• maslow's hierarchy of needs

  *sets out levels of needs that people have

  *highlights that what managers might want to offer to motivate an employee will depend on where they are on the hierarchy

  *start at the bottom and once needs are met, can move up to next level

  
• physiological (basic) needs

  need to survive
• physiological (basic) needs examples

  food, water, shelter, clothes
• physiological (basic) needs business actions

  *providing workers with basic needs

  *providing appropriate working environment (eg warm/dry)
• safety/security needs


  need to feel safe
• safety/security needs examples

  safe work environment, job security
• safety/security needs business actions

  *have health and safety policies in place

  *offer secure employment contracts
• social needs

  need to be a part of a group/team
• social needs examples

  friendship, teamwork
• social needs business actions

  *creating teams to promote teamworking

  *organising social outings/occasions
• ego/esteem needs

  need to be acknowledged and respected
• ego/esteem needs examples


  achievement ie promotion
• ego/esteem needs business actions

  *give recognition to workers - praise, certificate, mention in company bulletin
• self-actualisation needs

  need to achieve something for yourself/meeting your full potential
• self-actualisation business actions

  *provide workers with responsibility

  *provide opportunity to develop new skills
• problems with maslow's hierarchy

  *stage of individual isn't always obvious

  *some people may prioritise needs in different order

  *may be complex to offer different types of incentives for different employees