Motivation Theory: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs basically states that humans need to "satisfy their most basic needs before attempting to satisfy more sophisticated needs" (Moreno, 346). Maslow came up with a five step pyramid as to what he thought were the most basic needs and goes up to the highest needs.

Citation: Schop, Cory. "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs- What Are Man's Needs According to Maslow." Safety Needs. 22 July 2009. Web. 25 Apr. 2012.  <http://www.selfmademiracle.com/tag/safety-needs/>.

Maslow's pyramid starts at the bottom with the most basic need, and he believes that most of the steps happen simultaneously:

• Physiological Need: This need is necessary for survival, as humans in order for us to survive we need the basics; food, water, air, sleep. 
• Security: This is also another need necessary for survival, humans need the security of shelter, having a job, going to school and feeling safe.
• Love and Belonging (Social): Humans need to feel accepting of others, they need attention from friends and family in order to survive. 
• Self-Esteem: Maslow believes that this is what he calls "growth needs" it is not necessary to have in order to survive. Self-esteem is just accepting yourself as a human.
• Self-Actualization: "The need to realize one's full potential as a human being" (Moreno, 347). Being able to find truth, justice and gaining wisdom. 

The flaws of Maslow's theory is that all of the hierarchies are from "his assumptions" (Moreno, 347). His theory leaves out cases such as the "flow method" and the "starving artist".