Maslow's and McClelland

Discuss the job performance model and compare and contrast Maslow's and McClelland's need theories.

I found another great article written by Alan Chapman and he has an extensive knowledge for just about anything and everything but this article is called, “Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs”. I will include two examples of diagrams and two questioners he has made up, you do not have to take the quiz but it is interesting to see what kinds of questions would be asked if you were trying to figure out which level you are on in his hierarchy. It would be interesting to print up and bring to work or ask your friends you may be surprised by what you find.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need’s starts at the bottom of the triangle with biological and physiological needs meaning, food, air, water, shelter and sleep because those are the basic things that we cannot live without (Chapman, 2011). Maslow believed that each level of the pyramid had to be reached before that person could go onto the next level; the four other levels are safety needs, belongingness and love, esteem and self actualization needs (Chapman, 2011). It is interesting to note that back in the 1990’s two additional levels were added cognitive which would be level 5 (knowledge and meaning) and level 6 aesthetic needs like (balance, and appreciation for beauty) and then the following levels would be self-actualization and transcendence needs (Chapman, 2011). I like the additional levels because at the end transcendence is like a transformation where people are helping others to achieve self actualization, so say if someone was stuck on level 4 and had a low self esteem but could change how they felt by exercising and eating healthy with the help of a friend who has achieved being fit and healthy then that person who be able to advance to the next level.

Some of Maslow’s self-actualizing characteristics as written by Alan Chapman in his article, “Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs,” are a keen sense of reality, aware of real situations, not susceptible to social pressure, non-conformist, embracing and enjoying all cultures, creative, socially compassionate and comfortable with oneself (Chapman, 2011). What an interesting study because we just go through our day knowing we do certain things or we feel this way or that but seeing the hierarchy charts puts it at a different level because it is right in front of our face.

When I read different business related articles and even the one by Ratzburg called, “McClelland's Achievement Motivation Theory,” when you make simple lists it breaks down the theory so that it is no so big of an idea, but one that many can fit into but just not in the work related sense, maybe something you do at your school or volunteer group, maybe a church group this theory relates to people who like to take charge.

McClelland's need theories show that people want three things achievement, affiliation and influence, and people who want to be seen as a high achiever will take on tasks at work to show others that they a good leader, someone that people will respect and listen to when solutions need to be made through teamwork (Ratzburg, 2011). This person to me would be an all around good guy who is nice to others, knows his business and can influence others to see his point of view to come up with some great ideas for doing projects together for example for a volunteer event to raise money for a certain charity. Not everyone is going to fit into this model of needs but many people who do set very high goals for themselves and expect personal responsibility and they will take risks to achieve these goals, do you seen that when it is put simply like this more of us are likely to fall into this category than not (Ratzburg, 2011).

  

Chapman, A. (2011, Decemeber 7). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Retrieved from http://www.businessballs.com/maslow.htm

RATZBURG , W. (2011, Decemeber 7). “mcclelland's achievement motivation theory,” . Retrieved from http://jam3c.tripod.com/id8.html