Abraham H Maslow: Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow, a prominent psychologist, has been recognized for his theory of human motivation famous by name of “Maslow’s hierarchy of needs”. Maslow’s theory suggests that individuals are driven by a series of needs that can be arranged in a hierarchical order.
On 1st April 1908, Abraham Maslow was bourn to Jewish couple migrated from USSR at Brooklyn, New York, USA. Early Childhood days of Abraham Maslow went into socially and economically challenging environment.
Menlo Park, California
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs has had a significant impact on psychology, management theory, and various fields related to human motivation. It emphasizes the importance of addressing basic needs to facilitate personal growth and development. The theory suggests that individuals who have their needs met are more likely to be motivated, productive, and satisfied in their personal and professional lives
According to Maslow, human needs can be categorized into five levels, often depicted as a pyramid:
1. Physiological Needs: This is the most basic level of needs, including the necessities required for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep. These needs must be satisfied before an individual can progress to higher levels.
2. Safety Needs: Once physiological needs are met, individuals seek safety and security. This includes physical safety, financial stability, a stable environment, and protection from harm or danger.
3. Love and Belongingness Needs: At this level, individuals desire social connections, love, and a sense of belonging. They seek relationships, friendships, intimacy, and acceptance from family, friends, and community.
4. Esteem Needs: Once the lower needs are fulfilled, individuals strive for self-esteem and the recognition and respect of others. This includes the need for achievement, confidence, independence, and a positive self-image.
5. Self-Actualization: This is the highest level of needs, representing the fulfillment of an individual’s potential and the desire for personal growth and self-fulfillment. Self-actualized individuals are motivated by personal development, creativity, purpose, and the pursuit of meaning in life.
According to Maslow, individuals progress through these needs in a sequential manner. The lower-level needs must be satisfied before higher-level needs become salient. However, it is important to note that not all individuals will achieve self-actualization, as it is considered a relatively rare state.
One can refer the work of Abraham Maslow from “A theory of human motivation” published in July 1943
