Maslow’s theory maintains that:
hygiene factors, which relate to the work setting and not to the content of the work, include adequate wages.
the more basic needs at the bottom of the hierarchy must be satisfied before higher-level goals can be pursued.
security needs must be fulfilled before physiological needs.
social needs must be fulfilled before security needs.
needs that are fulfilled cannot be triggered under any circumstance.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The more basic needs at the bottom of the hierarchy must be satisfied before higher-level goals can be pursued.
Explanation:
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a motivational theory in psychology proposed by Abraham Maslow in 1943. The theory is often depicted as a pyramid, with five levels of human needs arranged in a hierarchical order. According to Maslow, people are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to higher-level psychological and self-fulfillment needs.
The five levels, from the bottom to the top of the pyramid, are:
- Physiological Needs – These are the most basic and essential needs for human survival, such as air, water, food, shelter, and sleep.
- Safety Needs – Once physiological needs are met, individuals seek safety and security. This includes personal security, health, financial security, and protection from harm.
- Love and Belonging Needs – After safety, social needs become important. These involve relationships, friendships, intimacy, and belonging to a group.
- Esteem Needs – These relate to self-respect, recognition, status, and the desire for accomplishment.
- Self-Actualization Needs – This is the highest level, where a person seeks to realize their full potential and engage in creative or meaningful activities.
The correct option emphasizes Maslow’s core belief: lower-level (basic) needs must be reasonably satisfied before individuals can attend to higher-level (psychological and self-fulfillment) needs. For example, a person struggling with hunger or lacking shelter is less likely to focus on achieving self-esteem or creative goals.
Now, let’s address the incorrect options briefly:
- Hygiene factors relate to Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, not Maslow’s.
- Security before physiological needs is incorrect; physiological needs come first.
- Social needs before security needs reverses the order; security needs must be satisfied first.
- Needs once fulfilled cannot be triggered again is incorrect; under certain stressors (e.g., job loss or illness), previously met needs can re-emerge.
Therefore, Maslow’s theory is centered on a stepwise progression of needs, where basic needs form the foundation for higher levels of motivation and development.