What is the basic idea behind Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? Explain with suitable examples.

Maslow proposed his view about human motivation. He attempted to portray a picture of human behaviour by arranging the various needs in a hierarchy. His viewpoint about motivation is popularly known as ‘Theory of self-actualisation’.

1. Maslow’s model can be conceptualised as a pyramid in which the bottom of this hierarchy represents basic physiological or biological needs which are basic to survival such as hunger, thirst etc. Only when these needs are met, the need to be free from threatened danger arises. This refers to the safety needs of physical and psychological nature.

2. Next comes the need to seek out other people, to love and to be loved. After these needs are fulfilled, the individual strives for esteem, i.e. the need to develop a sense of self-worth. The next higher need in the hierarchy reflects an individual’s motive towards the fullest development of potential, i.e., self-actualisation. A self-actualised person is self- aware, socially responsive, creative, spontaneous, open to novelty, and challenge. S/he also has a sense of humour and capacity for deep interpersonal relationships.

3. Lower level needs (physiological) in the hierarchy dominate as long as they are unsatisfied. Once they are adequately satisfied, the higher needs occupy the individual’s attention and effort. However, very few people reach the highest level because most people are concerned more with the lower level needs.

Fig: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs