In a world shaped by rapid technological advancements, economic fluctuations, and evolving social norms, understanding human motivation is more relevant than ever. Recently I came across Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. I’ve briefly brushed through this framework during marketing class but never really thought of digging deep until I heard the term again recently in a YouTube video. Proposed in 1943 by psychologist Abraham Maslow, the theory breaks down the universal human experience into five layers of need, each forming the foundation for the next. If you’re not familiar with what it is, here’s a summary of what Maslow proposed.
The Timeless Pyramid of Needs
- Physiological Needs: The basics for survival—air, water, food, and shelter.
- Safety Needs: A sense of security in one’s environment, health, finances, and physical well-being.
- Love and Belonging: Connection to others through relationships, communities, and shared purpose.
- Esteem Needs: The desire for recognition, respect, and personal achievement.
- Self-Actualization: The pursuit of personal growth, creativity, and fulfillment of potential.
Maslow later added self-transcendence. The act of going beyond oneself to serve a greater purpose, the pinnacle of the human journey (Patrick. A, 2003).
Now I know this sequential hierarchy model may seem a bit outdated or nonsensical at first. Few of the problems that I found were how can you be so sure that every human follows the same priority when it comes to needs (of course after the essential needs like food, water and air). For example, an artist may prioritize creativity (self-actualization) over financial stability (safety). Critics argued the pyramid is too Western-centric, emphasizing individualism rather than collective needs, which are prioritized in some cultures. Bearing in mind that the theory was first proposed in 1943, I thought I should re-look at the pyramid according to the modern world.
1. Physiological Needs in a Digital World
While food and water remain essential, the definition of “physiological needs” has expanded to include digital connectivity. Access to the internet and smartphones is now seen as a prerequisite for participating in modern society. For instance, remote work relies on tools like Zoom and Slack to ensure the virtual “physiological” functioning of businesses.
Example: Governments and organizations offering free Wi-Fi in underserved areas are fulfilling this modern need, bridging the gap between digital haves and have-nots.
2. Safety Needs: From Physical to Digital Security
Safety is no longer limited to locks on doors or secure bank accounts. In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity and mental health have emerged as critical safety priorities. Individuals are increasingly concerned about protecting their personal data from breaches, maintaining job stability in uncertain economies, and navigating the mental toll of constant digital engagement.
Example: The rise of VPNs, encrypted communication apps, and workplace mental health programs reflects the modern interpretation of safety needs.
3. Love and Belonging in the Age of Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok cater directly to our need for connection. They promise a sense of belonging through likes, follows, and online communities, but often at a superficial level. True belonging still comes from authentic relationships, whether fostered in-person or digitally.
Example: Platforms like Meetup and Discord create niche communities where individuals can connect over shared interests, providing deeper and more meaningful connections than the performative nature of mainstream social media.
4. Esteem Needs in a Globalized Society
Recognition is no longer confined to local circles. Social media has democratized fame, enabling anyone to seek validation from a global audience. Professional platforms like LinkedIn feed into this need by offering opportunities for public acknowledgment of achievements, from promotions to certifications.
Example: Gamification in workplace apps like awarding badges for accomplishments boosts employees’ self-esteem while encouraging productivity.
5. Self-Actualization: The New Frontier
In a society obsessed with productivity, self-actualization has taken on new dimensions. Today, it’s not just about achieving personal growth but doing so in a way that aligns with one’s values. Environmentalism, diversity, and social justice are key drivers for many, as people strive to leave a meaningful legacy.
Example: Programs like Google’s “20% Time,” which allow employees to work on passion projects, enable self-actualization within structured environments.
So how exactly can we apply Maslow to the modern workplace?
Corporate environments have increasingly adopted Maslow’s hierarchy as a blueprint for employee engagement. The “human-centered workplace” prioritizes holistic well-being, addressing each layer of the pyramid:
- Physiological Needs: Providing ergonomic office spaces, snacks, and remote work flexibility.
- Safety Needs: Offering competitive salaries, benefits, and job stability.
- Love and Belonging: Encouraging team-building activities and inclusive cultures.
- Esteem Needs: Implementing recognition programs and offering opportunities for advancement.
- Self-Actualization: Supporting professional development, creativity, and work-life balance.
(Ahmad et al., 2024)
Criticism faced by Maslow’s Framework
1. Lack of Empirical Evidence
One of the strongest criticisms is that Maslow’s hierarchy lacks rigorous scientific validation.
- Subjectivity in Research: Maslow based his theory on a qualitative study of biographies and case studies of individuals he deemed self-actualized, such as Albert Einstein and Eleanor Roosevelt. This subjective approach lacked robust empirical testing.
Example: Some people may prioritize love and belonging (third level) even when their physiological needs (first level) are unmet, such as individuals in war zones who form close bonds despite lacking food or shelter.
2. Western-Centric Bias
Maslow’s theory has been criticized for being heavily influenced by Western, individualistic values, making it less applicable to collectivist cultures.
- Individualism vs. Collectivism: In Western cultures, self-actualization—focused on personal growth and autonomy—is often the pinnacle of achievement. In collectivist societies (e.g., Japan, China), the emphasis is often on community, family, and social harmony, sometimes even at the expense of personal growth.
- Example: In collectivist cultures, belonging and safety might take precedence over personal achievement, even if self-actualization opportunities arise.
3. Linear Progression Doesn’t Reflect Real Life
Maslow’s model assumes a rigid sequence of needs—physiological before safety, safety before love, and so on.
- Dynamic and Contextual Needs: In reality, needs are often pursued simultaneously or in varying orders, depending on circumstances. For instance: A starving artist may prioritize self-actualization (e.g., creating art) over safety or physiological needs. A parent may focus on safety (providing for their children) while ignoring their own physiological needs, like sleep or proper nutrition.
- Example: Refugees often strive for education or community involvement (higher needs) while lacking basic physiological and safety needs.
(Kaur , 2013)
Despite heavy criticism, Maslow’s hierarchy has managed to find its way in to the 21st century and definitely be part of the conversation as I’ve seen plenty videos, TED talks and lecture material where this framework is mentioned. The major downside to the theory in my opinion is that it promotes sequential, linear progression of human needs which is a narrow way of looking at such a complex subject. I’m sure that experts may have suggested to look at Maslow’s theory as a non-linear approach, where needs are interconnected rather than sequential. Whether its already out there or not, I truly believe that we can make good use of this theory by looking at in in a non-linear way.
Here’s what I thought of it,
Self-Actualization as the Goal
Instead of being the final step, self-actualization becomes the central, enduring purpose, a continuous process of striving toward one’s highest potential. In this view, individuals are always working on self-actualization, but their progress is shaped by how effectively they manage their physiological, safety, belonging, and esteem needs in a feedback loop.
Needs as Iterative Foundations
Rather than “completing” a need and moving up the hierarchy, each need operates as a re-visitable layer. For example:
- Physiological Needs: If physical health declines, self-actualization efforts (example: creative or intellectual pursuits) may pause until basic well-being is restored. Modern examples include taking breaks to focus on mental health or eating habits while pursuing professional ambitions.
- Safety Needs: Threats to job stability or cybersecurity may pull focus from creative goals, but once resolved, individuals can re-engage in self-actualization.
- Love and Belonging: Strong relationships enhance motivation, but when these connections are strained, people may revisit this layer to find emotional stability before resuming their broader aspirations.
- Esteem Needs: Achievements and recognition feed self-actualization, but setbacks, like losing confidence or facing failure, may require a return to esteem-building activities before moving forward.
Why Iteration Makes Sense in Modern Society
Life is rarely linear. In the modern world, disruptions and opportunities arise constant such as economic instability, health crises, evolving career paths, and social changes. Thinking of Maslow’s needs as iterative reflects this reality. People often work on several needs simultaneously, revisiting certain layers as circumstances demand.
For instance:
- A freelancer might pursue creative self-actualization while navigating cycles of financial instability (physiological needs).
- A parent might focus on self-actualization in their career while strengthening their sense of belonging at home.
- A startup founder might prioritize esteem needs (securing funding, building credibility) while intermittently addressing safety (managing business risks).
Let’s look at some modern day examples for this iterative self-actualization,
- A Creative Professional A writer might face periods of burnout (physiological and safety needs) but revisit these layers to rejuvenate. They may find inspiration through belonging (collaborating with peers) or esteem (positive feedback) before re-engaging with their creative process.
- A Social Entrepreneur Someone striving to solve global issues might periodically address safety needs, navigating funding challenges or burnout while continuously aiming for self-actualization through their mission to create change.
- A Digital Nomad A modern nomad balances physiological needs (health and travel resources), safety (stability in a gig economy), belonging (online and offline communities), and esteem (building a reputation) in iterative cycles, always keeping personal growth as the goal.
Why we Should Embrace the Iterative Approach
- Resilience: Recognizing that needs fluctuate allows for adaptability. It’s okay to revisit safety or belonging if life throws a curveball.
- Holistic Growth: Iteration encourages balancing all areas of life, rather than neglecting lower-tier needs in pursuit of a singular goal.
- Self-Awareness: By repeatedly engaging with each layer, individuals gain deeper insights into their motivations and obstacles.
- Modern Relevance: This model fits the non-linear nature of modern lives, where careers, relationships, and personal goals often progress simultaneously.
By rethinking Maslow’s hierarchy as iterative, we embrace a more fluid and resilient approach to human motivation. Life’s challenges and aspirations are no longer separate; they’re part of the same journey, with self-actualization as the ever-present guide. This approach not only mirrors the complexity of modern society but also inspires us to see every moment, need, and challenge as a stepping stone toward a fuller, more meaningful existence.
So, instead of climbing a pyramid, consider circling the spiral. Each step forward and every step back can bring you closer to your potential.
References
A Patrick (2003) Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Does it apply in a collectivist culture – proquest. Available at: https://www.proquest.com/openview/ae442f92052554df14618b5bd9104141/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=25565 (Accessed: 01 December 2024).
Ahmad, S. et al. (2024) The role of employee motivation and its impact on productivity in modern workplaces while applying human resource management policies, Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review (Kuwait Chapter). Available at: https://j.arabianjbmr.com/index.php/kcajbmr/article/view/1224 (Accessed: 01 December 2024).
Kaur , A. (2013) ‘Maslow’s Need Hierarchy Theory: Applications and Criticisms ’, Global Journal of Management and Business Studies. , 3, pp. 1–4.