Page 4 - Lesson Note 3

(i) People’s behavior is based on their needs. Satisfaction of such needs

influences their behavior.

(ii) People’s needs are in hierarchical order, starting from basic needs to other

higher level needs.

(iii) A satisfied need can no longer motivate a person; only next higher level

need can motivate him.

(iv) A person moves to the next higher level of the hierarchy only when the

lower need is satisfied.

Maslow’s Theory focuses on the needs as the basis for motivation. This theory is

widely recognized and appreciated. However, some of his propositions are

questioned on his classification of needs and hierarchy of needs. But, despite

such criticism, the theory is still relevant because needs, no matter how they are

classified, are important to understand the behavior. It helps managers to realize

that need level of employee should be identified to provide motivation to them.