Maslow’s Heirachy of Needs Theoy

2.1 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory

Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory identifies higher order needs (self-actualization and esteem) and lower order needs (social, safety, and physiological requirements). Wood (2004), states, that some needs are assumed more important than others are and must be satisfied before the other needs can serve as motivators. Thus, the physiological needs must be satisfied before the other needs can serve as motivators.

It is evident through questionnaires conducted that eight out of eight people agreed that the prospect of a secure, stable job in the future was a very important reason for studying at university. It is also seen that five out of eight people agreed that increased status, prestige, and recognition was a somewhat important reason for studying at university. This research suggests that there is a tendency for lower order needs to be more important than higher order needs. For example, the safety needs (prospect of a secure, stable job in the future) must be fulfilled before the esteem needs (increased status, prestige and recognition) acts as a motivator.

Although on the contrary it was also found that six out of eight people stated that the ability to grow as a person was a very important reason for studying at university while