A simple explanation of human needs
A need is something a person requires; unmet needs create the drive that motivates behaviour, including the way people behave at work.
A human need is simply something a person requires — physically or psychologically — to live and to feel satisfied. Some needs are very basic (food, water, shelter); others are more psychological (friendship, respect, a sense of achievement).
The reason needs matter for business is that an unmet need creates a drive — a feeling of wanting — that pushes a person to act. When you are hungry you are driven to find food; when you want respect you are driven to do something that earns it. This drive is the source of motivation.
A useful way to organise human needs is to think of them as levels, from the most basic to the most personal:
- Physical (basic) needs — food, water, shelter, warmth: the things needed to survive.
- Security (safety) needs — feeling safe and stable, free from danger and uncertainty.
- Social needs — belonging, friendship and being part of a group.
- Esteem needs — respect, recognition and status; feeling valued by others.
- Self-fulfilment needs — using and developing your talents to reach your full potential.
This simple "ladder" of needs is exactly the idea later developed in detail by Maslow's hierarchy of needs (covered in 2.2.3) — here we meet it at an introductory level.
- A need = something a person requires (physical or psychological).
- An unmet need creates a drive → that drive is the basis of motivation.
- Needs range from basic (physical) up to personal (self-fulfilment).
- Five levels: physical, security, social, esteem, self-fulfilment (foreshadows Maslow).