DSST Organizational Behavior 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory posits that motivation is driven by a series of five distinct needs arranged in a hierarchical order. According to this theory, these needs progress from basic physiological requirements to higher-level psychological aspirations. The five levels include physiological needs, safety needs, love and belongingness needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization.

The hierarchy indicates that individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before they can focus on higher-level needs. For instance, a person will prioritize fulfilling their physiological needs, such as food and safety, before seeking emotional fulfillment through relationships or endeavoring to achieve self-actualization, which is the realization of one's personal potential. This structured approach to understanding motivation helps to clarify why certain behaviors and desires are prioritized at different stages in a person's life or career. By recognizing this hierarchy, organizations can better support their employees' needs and enhance motivation in the workplace.