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Flip to reveal answersWhat is the main idea of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
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All 15 Flashcards — Motivation theory — Maslow
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Question
What is the main idea of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
Answer
People have five levels of needs, and lower needs must be satisfied before higher needs can motivate.
💡 Hint
Lower first, then higher.
Question
Give one strength of Maslow’s theory for managers.
Answer
It is a simple framework that helps managers identify different employee needs and choose suitable motivators.
💡 Hint
Simple framework.
Question
Maslow has ______ levels of needs.
Answer
Five.
💡 Hint
5-level pyramid.
Question
Give one limitation of Maslow’s hierarchy.
Answer
Not everyone follows the same hierarchy; people can prioritise different needs at different times.
💡 Hint
Not universal.
Question
Physiological needs in business are mainly met through adequate ______.
Answer
Pay.
💡 Hint
Basic survival.
Question
List Maslow’s five levels from bottom to top.
Answer
Physiological, safety, social (belonging), esteem, self-actualisation.
💡 Hint
Bottom → top order.
Question
Give one workplace example of a safety need (Maslow).
Answer
Job security, safe working conditions, contracts, or health and safety protection.
💡 Hint
Security at work.
Question
Why can cultural differences be a limitation for Maslow?
Answer
Some cultures may prioritise social belonging over individual esteem, so the hierarchy may not apply in the same order.
💡 Hint
Culture changes priorities.
Question
Teamwork and workplace culture mainly address Maslow’s ______ needs.
Answer
Social (belonging).
💡 Hint
Belonging.
Question
Give one workplace example of an esteem need (Maslow).
Answer
Recognition, praise, responsibility, promotion, awards, or status/job title.
💡 Hint
Respect + recognition.
Question
Why is Maslow difficult to test or measure in the workplace?
Answer
It is hard to prove which level an employee is at, and people can be motivated by several needs at once.
💡 Hint
Hard to measure.
Question
Recognition programmes mainly address Maslow’s ______ needs.
Answer
Esteem.
💡 Hint
Respect + status.
Question
If safety needs are threatened, why might bonuses fail to motivate (Maslow)?
Answer
Because employees focus on security first; higher-level rewards do not motivate if basic needs are unmet.
💡 Hint
Security first.
Question
Exam tip: When using Maslow in an answer, what should you always do?
Answer
Identify the relevant need level and apply it to the specific business context.
💡 Hint
Level + case.
Question
Which Maslow level is linked to creativity, autonomy and personal growth?
Answer
Self-actualisation.
💡 Hint
Full potential.
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Topic 2.4 hub
Motivation and demotivation
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