We explain what Maslow’s Pyramid is and how its needs are organized. In addition, we explain its general and critical characteristics.
Maslow’s pyramid studies the forces that motivate people.
What is Maslow’s pyramid?
Maslow’s pyramid is a graphical representation of Human needs and their relationship with motivationwhich is what drives people to act in a certain way.
It is based on a theory developed by the American psychologist Abraham Harold Maslow (1908-1970) in his book A theory on human motivation (1943). There, Maslow proposes a hierarchical model of human needs. That is, he orders the needs from the most basic, such as eating or breathing, to the most elevated, such as creativity.
According to this motivational theory, Human actions arise from unsatisfied needsand these needs can be ordered according to the importance they represent for well-being.
Maslow then proposes organizing human needs according to levels of urgency. To do this, he proposes two categories:
- Basic or deficiency needs. They are oriented towards survival. They include physiological, security, affiliation and recognition needs.
- Growth needs. They are oriented towards self-realization. They include personal development and morality.
Maslow’s theory was later represented graphically as a pyramid, which is why it is known as “Maslow’s pyramid”.
Characteristics of Maslow’s pyramid
Motivation is necessary to satisfy higher needs.
1. It is hierarchical
The pyramid classifies human needs in hierarchical order. This means that some needs are more valued than othersThose that are considered inferior (basic or deficient needs) must be satisfied so that the individual begins to feel the higher needs.
The hierarchy is made up of five levels. Each level groups needs from the most basic to the most complex. The levels are: physiological, security, affiliation, recognition and self-actualization.
2. It is sequential
According to this theory, It is necessary to satisfy the needs of one level in order to perceive the needs of the next.If a lower-level need is not satisfied (e.g., health), the person will not find motivation to achieve higher-level needs (e.g., respect from colleagues).
3. It is based on motivation
A need is the lack of something. Human behaviors depend on needs: an unsatisfied need triggers a behavior.
Maslow’s theory seeks to understand what drives human behaviorIt is based on the idea that the main driver of behavior is what is perceived as absent, what is lacking. For example, a person covers up (behavior) when he or she feels cold (need).
4. It is based on the concept of self-realization
Maslow defines self-actualization as the development of a person’s potential. By satisfying needs, human beings develop their personality and can gradually achieve a full identity.
Self-actualization represents the highest level of human development. because it is what gives meaning to actions. The way to achieve self-realization varies according to each person’s abilities and desires.
5. It is a tool used in different disciplines
In addition to psychology, other disciplines such as social sciences, marketing and advertising use this theory to prioritize user needs.
Also It is used in the workplaceto detect and satisfy the needs of employees, and in education. For example, it is taken into account that in order to achieve higher needs, such as studying, it is necessary to have the basic needs satisfied, such as food.
Types of needs
Needs can be grouped into:
1. Physiological needs
Physiological needs are those that humans have from birth. Their survival depends on the satisfaction of these needs, which include all organic functions, such as breathing, eating, rest, sexual activity and shelter.
These are vital primary needsso they are the most important. For example, drinking water, resting, having shelter.
2. Safety and protection needs
Security and protection needs offer order and stability. They include very basic needs such as physical integrity and health.but also the need for housing and the relative certainty of having employment and income available.
Security needs involve the search for stability. They include love, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. They manifest themselves in avoiding danger and choosing what is familiar over what is unfamiliar. For example, maintaining order, having economic stability, and thinking things over before making decisions.
3. Membership needs
Affiliation needs relate to links. Affiliation is the connection with other peopleThis group of needs is related to the social nature of the human being.
It includes friendships, family, couples, the search for social acceptance and belonging. For example, belonging to a group, building healthy family ties, participating in a community activity.
4. Recognition needs
Recognition needs refer to the Search for self-esteem and respect from othersThey are also related to self-confidence, employment and status (the place a person occupies in society). For example, independence, professional prestige, receiving a reward for a job performed.
5. Self-actualization needs
Self-actualization needs are the higher needs, related to the development of personalityThey include spiritual and moral development, the search for a mission in life, creativity and selfless help to others.
They lead people to develop their potential and they are the highest needs. They can be delayed if the needs of the previous groups are not satisfied. For example, having a personal project, developing creativity through art.
Characteristics of a self-actualized person
Creativity and originality are characteristics of a self-actualized person.
Self-actualization involves the full development of human potential. Maslow conducted a series of studies and observations looking for shared characteristics in self-actualized people. Some of these are:
- Ability to perceive reality objectively, differentiating what is false from what is real.
- Acceptance of problems and search for solutions.
- Confidence in one’s own judgments, even if they go against dominant opinions.
- Non-hostile sense of humor, meaning one that does not aim to attack or ridicule others.
- Ability to accept oneself and others.
- Ability to live experiences intensely.
- Creativity and originality.
- Responsibility.
Criticisms of Maslow’s pyramid
Several studies have reached conclusions that differ from those of Abraham Maslow. On the one hand, it is pointed out that there is little evidence to support the claims made.
The sample of individuals Maslow relied on is small and insignificant. That is, it probably does not represent the majority of people. Moreover, the “self-actualizing” people he observed were selected by himself, according to his own criteria of what self-actualization means. Even the concept of self-actualization has been called into question. It is likely that not all people have the same needsnor do they feel fulfilled by their own achievements.
On the other hand, the proposed order of hierarchy was questioned. Later studies concluded that people aspire to higher goals, such as the development of spirituality or personal growth, even without having the needs considered basic covered. This means that People’s needs are partly relative and require a more dynamic model for their representation.
How is this theory applied?
The self-realization of a company can be achieved by applying Maslow’s pyramid.
A company can take a number of steps to meet its “deficiency needs” and thus reach a level of self-actualization where research and development of new products featuring innovation, or expansion to new customers or new geographic areas, is possible.
To do this, it is necessary to cover the previous levels:
- Physiological needs. Good office spaces and work teams (the workplace is “the body” of the company).
- Security needs. Maintain a source of income while minimizing risks (thus creating predictability and protection).
- Membership needs. Maintain good relationships with suppliers and customers.
- Recognition needs. Create a good business reputation through customer loyalty.
Follow with:
References
- Elizalde, A., Vilar, M. and Martínez Salvá, F. (2006). A critical review of the debate on human needs from a person-centred approach. Polis, 15. http://journals.openedition.org/
- Maslow, A. (1975). Motivation and Personality. Sagittarius: Barcelona.
- Mcleod, S. (2024). Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs. Simple Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/