The Needs of People In Institutions (A Web of Needs)

As modern Humans, a majority of us will spend most of our entire days being a part of institutions. There are a few of them that we all belong to by virtue of our everyday connection and activities of which three (3) fundamental institutions stand out:

1. Business Institutions (Where we Work)
2. Educational Institutions (Where we Learn)
3. Communities (Where we Live)

As Humans, we also have certain needs that can help meaningfully connect us to one another even as we exist and interact in Institutions. These needs are primarily shared by people belonging in the same institution and are particularly hinged on a factor known as HOMOPHILY (Common Community founded on Similar Interests and Objectives).

The Needs are:
1. Need for Acceptance (Belongingness Needs)
The need to feel as part of the group or institution.

2. Need for Relevance (Value Needs)
The need to meaningfully contribute to the affairs and concerns of others. That feeling that we can be of help and assistance and care.

3. Need for Recognition (Valued Needs)
The need to be recognized for our contributions to the affair and concerns of others and our institution.

4. Need for Association (Extracurricular Needs)
The need to enjoy other benefits of interaction outside of our core daily institutional activities and engagements (Rituals, Parties, Ceremonies, Events…)

5. Need for Advancement (Transition Needs)
The need to exit one Institution for another one (Graduation, Retirement, Relocation).

By leveraging on these needs and by placing people at the center of our thoughts and ideas we may be able to fashion out means through which we can meaningfully contribute to human potential and to making our institutions better.