Modern Management: concepts and skills, 14/e

Content Theories of Motivation: Human Needs

The motivation theories discussed thus far imply that an understanding of motivation is based on an understanding of human needs. Some evidence indicates that most people have strong needs for self-respect, respect from others, promotion, and psychological growth.14 Although identifying all human needs is impossible, several theories have been developed to help managers better understand these needs:

1. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

2. Alderfer’s ERG theory

3. Argyris’s maturity-immaturity continuum

4. McClelland’s acquired needs theory

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Perhaps the most widely accepted description of human needs is the hierarchy of needs concept developed by Abraham Maslow.15 Maslow states that human ...