An understanding of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is crucial to teachers and psychologists. However, a thorough understanding of Maslow's hierarchy can benefit almost anyone.First introduced in 1943, Maslow's hierarchy attempts to explain human needs and behaviors. It is often represented as a pyramid. At the bottom are humanity's most basic needs. These are called psychological needs and include
. things like breathing, food and water. Then come the saftey needs, including security of employment, health and body. Then come the belonging needs, like friends and family. These are followed by esteem needs, such as self-esteem, confidence and respect of and by others. According to Maslow, a person must meet these needs before he or she can act unselfishly toward others. Finally, there is the stage of self-actualization. People in a state of self-actualization have recognized their potential as individuals. According to Maslow, a person must fulfill the needs of a level before progressing to the next level. For example, a person struggling to put food on the table cannot worry about his or her belonging or esteem needs. Individuals can go down in the pyramid. This can occur because of a job loss, for example. Since Maslow first introduced the hierarchy concept, some changes have occurred and others have added some stages to elaborate on Maslow's broad concepts.There are many places online to find a diagram of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. A psychology review website has a modified, more in-depth diagram at http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/conation/maslow.html. An attractive coy of the pyramid diagram is also found at: http://www.abraham-maslow.com/m_motivation/Hierarchy_of_Needs.asp. This website is a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to understand how to apply Maslow's concepts to the business world by helping employees climb higher in the pyramid.Teachers and psychologists study Maslow's hierarchy of needs to better understand people and their motivations. Maslow's concepts are also applicable to the business world and can help improve employee moral and productivity. More reference links: http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/conation/maslow.html http://www.abraham-maslow.com/m_motivation/Hierarchy_of_Needs.asp
