The Limitation and Optimization of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory in Enterprises’ Application

-- Perspectives based on Case Studies

Abstract

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory holds that the five needs “physiological,” “safety,” “belonging and love,” “esteem,” and “self-actualization”, constitutes a series of hierarchical needs of human beings. More and more companies apply this theory to employee motivation management to improve employee enthusiasm, creativity and work efficiency. However, this theory has obvious limitations in practical application. Enterprises tend to ignore the phenomenon of the coexistence of the five needs levels, and cannot effectively deal with the problem of lack of new employee incentives caused by the coexistence of five needs levels. Therefore, based on enterprise cases, this study explores the rationality and limitation of "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs” Theory from the perspective of theoretical integration and contingency theory. The research conclusions are helpful to optimize "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs” Theory in its development, expand its application scope, and has certain reference significance for the incentive management of contemporary enterprises.