What is meant by 'Motivation'? Explain Maslow's need hierarchy theory of motivation.

Motivation is the process of stimulating people to action, to accomplish desired goals. It is an act of stimulating someone or oneself to get a desired course of action. It helps to identify and satisfy the needs of human resources in the organisation and thereby helps in improving their performance. Motivation is a complex force starting with keeping a person at work in an organisation. Motivation is something which moves the person to action and continues him in the course of action already initiated.

Maslow's need hierarchy theory:
Maslow’s need hierarchy theory was based on human needs. He felt that within every human being, there exists a hierarchy of five needs. And they are:

(i) Basic Physiological Needs: These needs are most basic in the hierarchy and are the primary needs. Hunger, thirst, shelter, sleep and sex are some examples of these needs. In the organisational context, basic salary helps to satisfy these needs.

(ii) Safety/Security Needs: These needs provide security and protection from physical and emotional harm. Examples: job security, stability of income, Pension plans etc.

(iii) Affiliation/Belonging Needs: These needs refer to affection, sense of belongingness, acceptance and friendship.

(iv) Esteem Needs: These include factors such as self-respect, autonomy status, recognition and attention.

(v) Self Actualisation Needs: It is the highest level of need in the hierarchy. It refers to the drive to become what one is capable of becoming. These needs include growth, self-fulfillment and achievement of goals.