Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad B.Tech III Year MANAGEMENT SCIENCE Previous Question Paper (November/December - 2020 - R15)

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. The theory posits that individuals must satisfy lower-level basic needs before progressing to meet higher-level growth needs.

1. Physiological Needs: These are the biological requirements for human survival, including air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, and sleep. If these needs are not satisfied, the human body cannot function optimally.
2. Safety Needs: Once physiological needs are satisfied, the needs for security and safety become salient. This includes personal security, financial security, health and well-being, and safety against accidents or injury.
3. Love and Belongingness Needs: After physiological and safety needs are fulfilled, the third level of human needs is social and involves feelings of belongingness. This includes friendship, intimacy, trust, acceptance, receiving and giving affection, and being part of a group.
4. Esteem Needs: Maslow classified these into two categories: esteem for oneself (dignity, achievement, mastery, independence) and the desire for reputation or respect from others (status, prestige).
5. Self-Actualization Needs: This is the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy, referring to the realization of a person's potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth, and peak experiences.

In a management context, this theory suggests that managers should identify the current need level of their employees and provide appropriate incentives to motivate them. For example, an employee at the physiological level is primarily motivated by salary, whereas an employee at the self-actualization level is motivated by challenging work, autonomy, and opportunities for creative expression.