According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level must be satisfied before an employee can be motivated by self-actualization?

Question

Accepted Answer

Esteem needs. According to Maslow's hierarchy, esteem needs must be satisfied before self-actualization can become a motivator. Maslow's five levels from bottom to top are: physiological, safety, social (belongingness), esteem, and self-actualization. Each lower level must be substantially satisfied before the next level becomes a primary motivator.

Physiological needs are the most basic level (food, water, shelter) and must be satisfied first, but they are four levels below self-actualization rather than immediately below it. Safety needs (security, stability, protection) are the second level and must be satisfied before social needs, but they are not the level immediately preceding self-actualization. Social needs (love, belonging, friendship) are the third level and must be satisfied before esteem needs, but there is still one level between social needs and self-actualization.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is one of the most frequently tested motivation theories on the DSST Principles of Supervision exam. While the theory has been criticized for its rigid hierarchical structure and cultural limitations, it provides a useful framework for supervisors to understand what motivates different employees based on their current circumstances and unmet needs.

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