Motivational Theory
Hierarchy of Need Theory
Amy Bassett
Liberty University
BUSI 701
Dr. Steward Huang
October 11, 2020
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Motivational Theory
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, ethics is defined as “the discipline dealing
with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation”. Recent ethical disasters of
businesses force us to look for new sources to revamp business ethics. A spiritual view can
enrich business ethics, especially in modern times where objects are valued over people. Firms
without a foundation in moral norms will not be able to prosper long term. It is essential for
these firms to value human dignity and create a culture of humanistic management.
Mea and Sims (2018) postulate that, “ancient philosophical and religious lessons add
something new to modern business ethics that can improve corporate culture.” Their research
insists that natural law and religious teachings are applicable to modern business ethics. Natural
law “consists of the insights of human conduct and behavior that our Creator built into our
nature” and it “is discernable through natural reason” (Engelland 2017, p. 31; as cited by Mea &
Sims, 2018). Religious teachings, particularly Catholics Social Doctrine and Teaching (CSD/T), are
abundant sources of ideas for ethical management practices and decision-making.
Human dignity (HD) is a core principle of CSD/T that intrigues business audiences that
have an interest in improving ethics. HD generates that idea that all humans have a unique
value within them. Dignity in work incorporates concepts like work satisfaction, meaningfulness
of work, and personal development, while dignity at work incorporates wellbeing, security, and
equal opportunity (Bolton, 2010; as cited by Mea & Sims, 2018). The Human Dignity-Centered
framework created by Mea and Sims works as a guide for company leaders to reference as they
look to become more ethical and teach humanistic management practices. This framework also
permits managers to reference it as they try to make sense how principles and virtues influence
leadership obstacles.
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Motivational Theory
Work motivation refers to influences that invigorate, direct and preserve employee
behavior over time. Motivated employees are considered an important factor in competition,
which means that it is in the company’s best interests to motivate their staff. The importance of
employee motivation has led to much research devoted to this topic. There are several
contemporary theories related to motivation and leadership that are aligned with some biblical
narrative and passages according to Cafferky (2017). Cafferky mentions behaviorism, need-
hierarchy, theory x & theory y, two-factor theory, JCM, Equity Theory, expectancy theory, goal
setting or social cognitive theory as motivational theories and gives examples of how each is
aligned with the Bible in his editorial. We are going to focus on the need hierarchy theory
introduced by Abraham Maslow and expanded upon by David McClelland.
We will briefly discuss David McClelland’s theory. David McClelland was an American
psychologist known for his work on motivational need theory that was developed in the 1960s.
Need theory claims that employees are motivated when their need for power, affiliation and
achievement are activated. McClelland’s theory suggests that people are motivated by internal
motivational factors (needs) and external motivational factors (rewards). This means that every
employee is motivated by a prominent need and gauge different incentives as rewarding.
Rybnicek, Bergner, and Gutschelhofer (2017) suggest that individuals are aware of their
conscious needs and can express them verbally, but they lack awareness to their unconscious
needs.
McClelland believes that all of us possess one of these needs, regardless of age, sex, race
or culture. He believed that an individual has specific needs that are procured and formed over
time through life experiences. The need for achievement suggests the urge to achieve
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Motivational Theory
something in what you do, like a painter who’s need is to paint a famous painting. Individuals
motivated by needs for achievement typically have a longing of setting tough goals and
achieving them. The need for power is the desire for a person to hold authority over another
person. These people change their decisions depending on their own needs and desires.
Competition typically motivates them, and they truly enjoy winning arguments. The need for
affiliation is the need of one to have interpersonal and social relationships with others. These
individuals prefer to be a part of a group and enjoy spending their time socializing. When
considering utilizing this theory to manage teams in business, managers must identify and
categorize every team member amongst these needs. Managers must identify the motivational
needs of the team and approach the team according to their need type.
Abraham Maslow is well-known for introducing the hierarchy of needs in his published
paper entitled “A Theory of Human Motivation” in 1943. Maslow’s theory of motivation states
that people act to satisfy their unmet needs. This theory assumes that there is a hierarchy of
five needs with varying urgency within each individual. The five needs are psychological needs,
safety needs, social needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. As each need is satisfied,
it pushes the next need to arise.
The first needs that should be met is physiological needs, which include things like water,
food, and warmth. Next are safety needs, like feeling secure. Onto social needs, like love and
friends. Fourth is esteem needs, which include feeling accomplished. The apex, the final need, is
self-actualization. This includes achieving one’s full potential. Maslow and his critics have
pointed out, these levels aren’t always satisfied in order, nor are they completely separate.
Certain needs in Maslow’s hierarchy, like love, can surpass even physiological needs like food.
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Motivational Theory
Maslow’s theory is one of the most prominent motivational theories among managers
and has influenced many of other theories mentioned, like Frederick Herzberg’s two-factor
theory and Douglas McGregor’s theory X and theory Y. The hierarchy of needs has been in
practice for over 60 years and no other conception of human motivation has come close to
overturning it. However, David McClelland has expanded on Maslow’s theory.
The hierarchy of needs had three core elements that began being translated into
management as early as the 1950’s. The first was the idea that human fundamental needs could
be set hierarchically, starting with physiological needs, then safety, belonging, self-esteem, and
culminating self-actualization as the apex. The next element presumed that as people moved up
in the hierarchy, they acquired new needs. And finally, efforts to motivate people only worked
by tempting their unsatisfied needs.
Breaking down the hierarchy of needs, at the bottom are the basic physiological needs,
like food and shelter. Next comes safety needs, like job security and safe environment. Moving
up the pyramid, next is belonging or strong bonds. Onto esteem needs, like respect and self-
confidence. Finally, at the apex of the pyramid is self-actualization which means being most
satisfied with oneself and realizing one’s full potential.
Lussier (2019) credits that motivational psychology related to work ethic dates back to
Max Weber, who named the Protestant work ethic as a spiritual, religious devotion to work as a
calling and that Maslow’s hierarchy of needs have aided in shaping a particular conception of
work ethic that continues on today. Spirituality provides an origin of passion and direction that
gives significance to a worker’s life and provides an empowered feeling of accomplishment in
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Motivational Theory
both work and home life. Maslow’s viewpoint on the human side of organizations may help
guide the vital role of spirituality and its meaning in the workplace because there are several
recognizable and unmistakable aspects of self-actualization in his writings: the unique self, the
peak experience and transcendence, spirituality and meaning, and the aesthetic-creative
element (O’Connor & Yballe, 2007; as cited by Joelle & Coelho, 2017).
Joelle and Coelho (2017) suggest that self-actualization is not an end point for Maslow,
but an ongoing process that includes several small growth choices and a process that takes risk
and requires courage. The sources of the concept that Joelle and Coelho (2017) studied are
based on Maslow’s thinking when discussing science and spirituality. Joelle and Coelho (2017)
share this quote from Maslow, “I want to demonstrate that spiritual values have naturalistic
meaning, that they are not the exclusive possession of organized churches, that they do not
need supernatural concepts to validate them, that they are well within the jurisdiction of a
suitable enlarged science, and that, therefore, they are the general responsibility of all
mankind.”
Maslow’s theory is often expressed using a pyramid symbol with various levels. This
theory focuses on self and embraces an “aim high” mentality. The concept of building upon
foundations is a Biblical one. In Christianity, the foundation for one’s life is Jesus Christ. The
Bible shows that God is the one who provides mankind’s needs. Maslow’s idea of self-
actualization includes the concept of self-fulfillment; the feeling of completeness. Some believe
that the spiritual danger of selfishness lurks within this theory.
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Motivational Theory
Maslow’s theory crumbles biblically upon examination of his moral system. How can this
theory tell us the needs of the human-being unless it is asked of God what these needs may be?
Maslow assumes that all religions have common roots, therefore all religions are essentially the
same. One doesn’t need to search far in order to demolish Maslow’s theory because just about
any page of Scripture reveals it to be a lie.
Maslow elevates self-actualization to the status of religious belief in his humanistic
structure. He claims that self-actualized people are able to see real and fake at the same time.
He also lumps all religions of the world for his studies and makes assumptions that would
destroy all individuality. The authors for an article by Christian Discernment Publications
Ministry, Inc. states that the survey they conducted shows the fact that modern psychology is at
war with Christian theism. It should be noted that it has been said many times that Maslow was
an atheist, although he never confirmed or denied that allegation.
Did Paul disprove Maslow’s theory? "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens
me" (Philippians 4:13) is a Bible verse written by Paul, that is well-known and often quoted. But
what does it mean and how does it align with Maslow’s theory? We must first accept that we
are totally dependent on God for our needs. Once we do that, our needs no longer become our
primary concern. We must trust God to provide for us, take care of us, and guide our path while
we focus on keeping His commandments and loving others. This follows along with doing God’s
work and seeking His righteousness before all else. It flips the pyramid upside down. Christians
come to “God-actualization” as the first step before their more basic needs are met, instead of
self-actualization as the final step. “God-actualization” involves repentance, study, love, true
self-worth, and ministry.
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Motivational Theory
Paul was one of the greatest missionaries, who faced many trials and tribulations in his
journeys. Looking at his writings to the Philippians while he was in prison, we can tell that Paul
is talking about his attitude and strength in all of the good and bad life situations he has
endured. Paul has been able to handle everything he has gone through and has been content
with his circumstances through the power of Christ. He was content even when in an unsafe
condition. It doesn’t matter what happens in life, we will always rise because Jesus lives in us
and that is the power of Philippians 4:13.
King Saul desired power, affiliation and achievement, all of which are part of
McClelland’s need theory. McClelland believed that all people have one of these needs, but Saul
had all three. This was selfish on his part, as he was chosen by God to be the first king of Israel.
Saul valued the opinion of the people over God’s wisdom and continuously worried about his
reputation and honor. Saul’s jealousy of David blinded him of all the greatness that God had
already given to him. God expects complete obedience. God ordered Saul to destroy the
Amalekites, but Saul spared their king and some animals. Saul thought he knew better than
God, which is a sin and always has terrible consequences. David remained a faithful servant to
Saul, even though Saul tried many times to harm him. David knew that Saul was chosen to be
king by God and refused to go against God’s will, so even in the few instances that he had the
opportunity harm or kill Saul he didn’t.
1 Samuel outlines the moral and spiritual decay of Saul and the rise of the obedient
David. David threatened Saul’s fulfillment of each of his needs because he (Saul) did not follow
God’s wisdom as trustingly as David did. God wants us to depend on him. King Saul’s selfish
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Motivational Theory
needs did not align with God’s plan for him and ultimately Saul’s demise was his own doing. He
was destroyed by his own jealousy.
Another story of selfishness in terms of one’s need for power is told in Mark 10. James
and John were two fishermen who became two of Jesus’ closest friends. This may have led
them to expect pre-eminence in the kingdom. The imagined one brother sitting at his right side
and the other at his left when Jesus became king. They go behind the others’ backs to ask Jesus
to promise them the best spots in heaven. The ten other apostles are outraged over the
brothers’ deceit to try to attain a personal advantage. Jesus used this as an opportunity to retell
an earlier lesson about what is means to be great in the kingdom of God and what needs to be
done on Earth to achieve it. Jesus reminds them that sufferings pave the way to glory and that
he did not come to be served, but to serve. This lesson stayed with James and John after Jesus
had gone to heaven to be with his father because they helped start a church, a church of people
who would serve. James became the first apostle to join Jesus in heaven, while John lived a long
life.
“Human dignity” is used as a maneuver to express the idea that firms are made up of
energetic social networks, with an ultimate purpose of serving human needs. This aligns with
Christian teachings in which the human purpose is to learn and know God through prayer and
being of service to others. As human beings, we all have a desire to rise above the ordinary and
distinguish ourselves. We desire for our lives to amount to something bigger and greater than
ourselves. God has put a desire for eternity in our hearts. We must realize that God created us
to glorify Him. As we start to act in ways that fulfill His purpose, we will begin to experience an
increase of joy and fulfillment in the Lord.
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Motivational Theory
Selfishness is the attitude of being concerned with one’s own interests above the
interests of others. Selfishness is known as the “works of the flesh” that lead to disorder and
evil. The Bible commands us to do nothing from selfishness and to not look out for our own
personal interests. We see that this led to a detrimental end for King Saul.
As humans, our needs include food, water, shelter, and clothing. Many people have
difficulty distinguishing needs from wants. The needs of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs are mostly
valid. From a biblical perspective, our greatest need is for Jesus and the Truth of God. Although
we must question Maslow’s goal of self-actualization and demand that it be Christlikeness. The
true human needs found in Maslow’s hierarchy can be met in God. Scripture tells us that God
amply provides for the physical needs of His children. We also see that God has sustained his
people even when they felt alone. Maslow saw human needs as being met in earthly ways, but
we can be doffed of earthly fulfillment as we still find satisfaction in Christ. Scripture does
acknowledge that humans have certain needs, but that Christians should seek to meet the
needs of others. Meeting people’s earthly needs while suppressing the word of the Lord will do
little of eternal value. But also presenting the gospel while deserting people’s earthly needs will
also do little of eternal value.
The HDC framework applies a logic that concern for human welfare and ethical practices
lay a foundation for longevity. This can be applied to business and spirituality. We see in the
Scripture that God offers firm leadership and challenges. The HDC framework teaches
humanistic management with ethical principles and virtues. HDC can be used to benefit human
flourishing and the Scripture can be used to help humans flourish.
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Motivational Theory
In a practical business setting, we see Chick-fil-a show concern for human dignity. This is
even stated in their corporate purpose: “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is
entrusted to us” (Chick-fil-A, 2016; as cited by Mea & Sim, 2018). Compatible with the HDC
framework, a leader must use wisdom to resolve conflict. Mea and Sim (2018) state, “HD is the
idea that every human being has transcendent value that resides within his or her essence, an
indispensable aspect of what makes them a person.” Business organizations form diverse
networks of people within society. Their purpose should be to serve human needs and with
ethical practices will make them likely to succeed.
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Motivational Theory
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