Abraham Maslow
- Name
- Abraham Maslow
- Era / Years
- 1908–1970
- Key Contribution
- Hierarchy of Needs — a motivational theory with 5 levels
- Profile
Abraham Maslow (1908–1970) was an American psychologist best known for his Hierarchy of Needs, a foundational theory of human motivation.
The 5-Level Hierarchy of Needs
- Physiological Needs: Basic survival requirements (food, water, shelter, sleep).
- Safety Needs: Security, stability, freedom from physical and emotional harm.
- Love/Belonging Needs: Social connections, friendship, family, intimacy.
- Esteem Needs: Self-respect, respect from others, recognition, achievement.
- Self-Actualization Needs: Realizing one's full potential, personal growth, and self-fulfillment.
Key Assumptions
- Hierarchical Progression: Lower-level needs must be largely satisfied before higher-level needs become significant motivators.
- Motivation by Unmet Needs: Only unsatisfied needs influence behavior; satisfied needs do not act as motivators.
Application in Management
- Managers can use the hierarchy to identify employees' current motivational needs and tailor appropriate incentives.
Major Work
- 'A Theory of Human Motivation' (1943).