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Explain Maslow’s Theory of Motivation - Leaving Cert Business - Question B - 2011
Question B
Explain Maslow’s Theory of Motivation. Motivation is the willingness of people to work. It is what drives, influences and encourages people to work toward a particu... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain Maslow’s Theory of Motivation - Leaving Cert Business - Question B - 2011
Step 1
Explain Maslow’s Theory of Motivation.
Answer
Maslow's Theory of Motivation is represented as a hierarchy of needs, which suggests that human needs are arranged in a pyramid structure, with basic needs at the bottom and higher-level psychological needs at the top. The hierarchy includes:
- Physical Needs: These are the most basic needs that must be met for survival, such as food, water, and shelter.
- Safety Needs: Once physical needs are satisfied, the focus shifts to safety needs, which include security and protection from harm.
- Social Needs: At this level, individuals seek relationships, love, and belonging through social interactions.
- Esteem Needs: This involves the desire for respect, recognition, and self-esteem, where individuals seek acknowledgment from others.
- Self-Actualisation Needs: This is the highest level, focused on realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, and seeking personal growth and peak experiences.
According to Maslow, as each need is fulfilled, individuals are motivated to satisfy higher-level needs.
Step 2
Illustrate how a manager could motivate workers by applying Maslow’s Theory in the workplace.
Answer
A manager can motivate workers by addressing the different levels of Maslow's hierarchy:
- Physical Needs: Ensure fair wages, bonuses, and profit-sharing schemes are in place so that employees can meet their basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
- Safety Needs: Provide a safe working environment by offering long-term contracts, providing medical check-ups, and ensuring health and safety training. Facilities should include safety equipment, such as goggles and gloves, to protect employees.
- Social Needs: Foster a sense of community through team-building activities and flexible work hours that allow employees to spend time with family and friends, thereby fulfilling their social needs.
- Esteem Needs: Recognize and reward employees for their contributions through praise, titles, or bonuses to enhance their self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.
- Self-Actualisation Needs: Offer career development plans, training opportunities, and empowerment in decision-making roles, helping employees to achieve their potential and enhance their job satisfaction.