Motivation – The Application of Maslow’s Need Hierarchy Theory Redefined

According to Maslow’s need hierarchy theory, you advance through a hierarchy of needs such as basic needs, security needs, relationship intimacy needs, self-esteem needs and finally, the self-actualisation needs. You should meet a certain level of growth to move to the next level of needs. Your motivation is determined by the level of your needs.

Most of us are happy and satisfied if we have met the security and belongingness needs. The self-esteem need is not obligated. It is purely a person's internal hunger, and as a result, no extrinsic motivation techniques will help in creating motivation in you. Both self-esteem and self-actualisation needs are purely inner self (soul) focused and require intrinsic motivation techniques to get you motivated. There are different categories of generations who possess typical need-based behaviour.

The Baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964), Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980), Millennials or Generation Y (born between 1981 and 2000) are the three generations before the current generation, Generation Z (born after 2000).

All these generations had definite purposes, and based on these purposes, they thrived in life. The following generations learned to meet their needs from their previous generation. For the current generation Z to lead a purposeful life, they should understand the level of achievements to be reached as per the need hierarchy theory.

As a generation Z, you have the leniency to directly focus on developing self-esteem. All other stages below the self-esteem need were met by your parents, grandparents and great grandparents. The basic needs were met by your great grandparents. Grandparents secured your security needs. Parents provided you with increased security needs and gave you a high standard of living. It is in your parent’s time; most of you started to enjoy brands and luxuries.

Parents of Generation Z provided them with branded things and luxurious lifestyles; as a result, they do not get motivated with old motivational needs. Generation Z should focus on achieving self-esteem. As extrinsic motivation has nothing much to do with self-esteem needs, it is essential to develop intrinsic motivation.

When Generation Z enters into various careers, the organizations should focus on providing the right culture and behaviour which promotes intrinsic motivation in them. Generation Z will be motivated when they get a quality lifestyle. They require a structured, growth-oriented, respectful and well-balanced culture where their individual contributions are recognised. There should be predictability, encouragement, creative and innovative atmosphere where independence and freedom of expression are appreciated. To engage today's workforce, the organisations should focus on the employees’ overall well-being by giving importance to his or her personal, family and social wellness needs. The nature and needs of generations are changing, and the organisations too should reflect that change.

It is the intrinsic motivation that works for today’s generation. Focussing on building self-esteem is the key for keeping you motivated at all times.