Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow developed the Hierarchy of Needs model in the 1950's and the theory retains its validity even today for understanding human motivation, management training and personal development. Maslow's ideas surrounding the theory concern the responsibility of employers to provide a workplace environment that encourages and enables employees to fulfil their own unique potential, or self-actualisation.

This is based on five needs:

1. Biological and Physiological - air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep.

2. Safety - protection from elements, security, order, law, limits, stability.

3. Belongingness and Love - work group, family, affection, relationships.

4. Esteem - self-esteem, achievement, mastery, independence, status, dominance, prestige, managerial responsibility.

5. Self-Actualisation - realising personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.