How to Coach Yourself and Others Essential Knowledge For Coaching | Page 80

4.4 MOTIVATING OTHERS
Using Motivation Theories to Help Influence Behavior
Written by: N Nayab • Edited by: Ginny Edwards
Research has established a relationship between motivation
theories and organizational behavior. Read on for an
explanation of how employees behave in an organization and
how to motivate them to work to their potential.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory
The Need Hierarchy theory of
Abraham Maslow, first expounded in
1943, ranks amongst the earliest
studies linking motivational theory
and organizational behavior.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory
lists a hierarchy of five need levels:
1. Physiological needs, or the need for basic necessities
such as food, water, and shelter
2. Safety needs, or the need for security in both home
and work
3. Social needs, or the need for loving, acceptance, and
group affiliation
4. Esteem needs, or the need for recognition and
acknowledgment, and self-respect
5. Self-actualization needs, or the need to develop to
one's fullest potential
An employee works his way up the need hierarchy, and on
fulfilling a need level, aspires for the next level. For instance, an
employee already having attained recognition and

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