According to Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory , one of the most widely known theories of motivation, individual needs form a five-level hierarchy.

1. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs from the most basic to the highest.

a. Physiological needs are basic and include needs for food, water, and shelter.

b. Safety needs pertain to the desire to be safe, secure and free from threats to our existence.

c. Belongingness needs involve the desire to affiliate with and be accepted by others.

d. Esteem needs are related to the two-pronged desire to have a positive self-image and to have our contributions valued and appreciated by others.

e. Self-actualization needs pertain to the requirement of developing our capabilities and reaching our full potential. 2. Needs at one level do not have to be completely fulfilled before the next level becomes relevant.

3. As needs on one level are fulfilled, they cease to act as motivators and tension develops to fulfill needs at the next level.

4. Recent studies have raised questions as to whether the hierarchical aspect of Maslow’s theory is applicable to everyone and whether there might be fewer than five levels of needs.

Analysis and Weakness of Theory

1. Five levels of need are not always present.

2. Order of needs and hierarchy may not be the same for all employees.

3. There are certainly cultural differences which the theory did not take care.

4. Analyzing the theory in country and cultural context, for example in China, the hierarchy of needs found was different than Maslow’s theory.