Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory is one of the theories of humanities, which was put forward by American psychologist Abraham Maslow in his paper "Theory of Human Motivation" 1943. The book divides people's needs from low to high like a ladder into five levels, namely: physiological needs, security needs, social needs, respect needs and self-realization needs.

Second, theoretical analysis:

1, the five kinds need to be gradually upgraded from low to high like a ladder, but this order is not completely fixed, it can be changed, and there are various exceptions.

2. The hierarchy of needs theory has two basic starting points. First, everyone has needs. After the needs of one level are met, the needs of another level appear. Second, before a variety of needs are met, meet the urgent needs first; After this demand is met, the latter demand shows their incentive effect.

3. Generally speaking, when a certain level of demand is relatively satisfied, it will develop to a higher level, and the pursuit of higher-level demand will become the driving force of behavior. Accordingly, the demand for basic satisfaction is no longer an incentive force.

4. Five needs can be divided into two levels, among which physiological needs, safety needs and emotional needs belong to the lower level and can be met by external conditions; The need for respect and self-realization is an advanced need, which can be met by internal factors. A person's need for respect and self-realization is endless. At the same time, a person may have several needs, but there is always one demand that plays a leading and decisive role in behavior in each period. Any kind of demand will not disappear because of the development of higher-level demand. The needs at all levels are interdependent and overlapping. After the development of high-level demand, low-level demand still exists, but its influence on behavior is greatly reduced.

5. Maslow and other behavioral psychologists believe that the demand level of most people in a country is directly related to the level of economic development, scientific and technological development, culture and people's education. In developing countries, the proportion of people with physiological needs and safety needs is large, and the proportion of people with advanced needs is small; In developed countries, the situation is just the opposite.

Third, theoretical evaluation:

1, Maslow put forward that human demand has a development process from low to high, which conforms to the general law of human demand development to some extent.

2. Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory points out that in each period, one demand is dominant and other needs are subordinate. This is instructive for management.

3. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is based on his humanistic psychology. The inner strength of human beings is different from the instinct of animals. Human nature requires the realization of intrinsic value and intrinsic potential. Human behavior is dominated by consciousness, and human behavior is purposeful and creative.