Every manager should understand Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory in order to properly motivate employees. Maslow is thought of as the father of humanistic psychology, and his theories have been used for many years. Although some of them have been modified, his original theories are still applicable today.

To apply Abraham Maslow management theory to your workplace, you must first understand the concepts illustrated. This process is twofold: You must learn the hierarchy of needs and then learn how to apply it to managerial situations. Here are a few items to help you understand the management theory of Abraham Maslow key terms:

1. Take a look at the actual hierarchy proposed by Maslow. Business managers can use this as the first step in employing Maslow's theory.

2. Connect the hierarchy with your company. The key to making this concept work is understanding these hierarchical needs and turning them into motivational tools.

3. Understand a key concept in Maslow management theories: self-actualization. This is what all humans ultimately strive for.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn the terms of Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory

The basis for Maslow's management theory is his hierarchy of human needs. The premise behind this pyramid is that lower levels of needs must be met before higher needs can be fulfilled. For example, if a person doesn't have adequate food and water, his physiological needs will not be met and he will not be concerned with, say, working well with others (social needs). As you can see, satisfying the most basic needs are a prerequisite to performing well in the workplace.

I recommend: Businessballs has a great chart of Maslow's five-stage model of human needs. Check out the descriptions of each stage at Studiesfaction.

Understand how each level of Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs spurs motivation

The most important take-away when studying Maslow's theory is that in order to motivate employees to perform their best, you have to know what their needs are. Satisfying social needs will cause esteem needs to emerge; once those are fulfilled, employees' needs for self-actualization will come into play. If you apply these theories properly, your workers will strive to satisfy these higher needs, leading to a more stress-free work environment and higher employee satisfaction.

I recommend: The summary of management implications from Emporia State University is a great guide to turning needs into workplace motivators. Another good source linking the hierarchy to the organization is available at CHIC Hospitality Consulting Services.

Help employees reach the level of self-actualization

This is the highest level on the hierarchy of needs. Maslow defined it as 'the full use and exploitation of talents, capacities, potentialities, etc.' The concept of self-actualization actually has its own terminology that you'll need to be familiar with. Maslow claimed that there are eight behaviors associated with people who are self-actualized: concentration, growth choices, self-awareness, honesty, judgment, self-development, peak experiences and lack of ego defenses.

I recommend: Study up on self-actualization using the resources at Project Management Course; California State University, Long Beach; and The Self Actualization Institute.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Expect employees to go through Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs at their own pace. It's important to understand that each person is unique; some may be driven to work toward the next level of the pyramid immediately after satisfying the preceding level. Others may hover at one level for awhile before the next set of needs surfaces.
• •  Consider reading Maslow on Management, his in-depth look at how humanistic psychology can be used in organizations.

The Abraham Maslow business theory provided the basis for an entirely new management model which has since become known as "enlightened management." Along with several other, more employee-focused theories of management that began to emerge at about the same time, Maslow's management theory changed the way business owners viewed their employees. Instead of asking, "What can my employees do for me?" they began to ask, "What can I do for my employees to help them better meet the needs of the company?"

Maslow's management theory is illustrated by a pyramid, divided horizontally into 5 sections, each one representing one of the basic human needs that motivate our actions. The needs are, from most basic (base of the pyramid) to most fully realized (top of the pyramid) physiological, safety, social, ego and self-actualization needs. As lower level needs are met, the employee grows freer to focus on the higher motivational levels, such as pursuing status, recognition and excellence, as well as self-fulfillment. Some advantages your company will enjoy when your employees move beyond the lower-level needs and begin progressing toward self-actualization are these:

1. Better employee focus and performance;

2. Greater "ownership" of task and project outcomes;

3. Improved attitude and loyalty; and

4. Increased motivation and engagement.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take a leadership course which includes Maslow management theory

Many leadership development courses and training programs are based on Abraham Maslow management theory. If you own your own company, the principles set down by the father of enlightened management will only help you gain greater insight into the most important aspects of motivating your employees to make your company successful.

I recommend: International Institute of Management offers on-location management training courses, as well as distance training coursework. Training Center offers an online project management course which includes the Abraham Maslow management theory, and e.approach, Inc. offers a course in cash flow re-engineering which also covers Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The latter 2 sites also offer various other online management training courses.

Train your managers to effectively incorporate Abraham Maslow business theory into your business

Various training programs can help you prepare your managers to confidently implement Maslow's behaviorist management theory in your workplace.

I recommend: Systemic Solutions offers management training and coaching which are based on Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, along with several other theoretical management hierarchies. Another course, offered by e.approach, Inc., which can help your managers develop a better understanding of the Abraham Maslow theory of management, is the company's Getting More Done Through Delegation course.

Hire a consultant who will incorporate Abraham Maslow theory into the approach used

A good management consultant can guide you in finding the best way to use the Maslow business management model to motivate your employees--including your managers. An experienced leadership consultant can also advise your managers on how best to implement the principles of Maslow on management with their teams.

I recommend: Morgan Management Consulting offers a research-based approach, which incorporates insights from early Abraham Maslow theory. The company also provides other services, including telephone coaching, seminars, workshops and other training. BIS Performance Management offers consulting services that focus on the theories of Maslow on management. They also offer seminars, e-training and a leadership program which incorporate motivational theory into their training.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Maslow's business theory has stood the test of time. While Maslow made various changes to his model over the years, increasing its original 5 need levels to 7, then later 8; his changes have made the model even more useful. Like Maslow, don't be afraid to experiment with his behaviorist management theory, adapting it to your own company's unique employee dynamics. This is the best way to really put it to work for your business.

Management theory of Abraham Maslow education and training can offer a business leader a foundational skill set in employee motivation. Abraham Maslow business theory taps into core motivational values in existing and future workplace staff. Learning a new method of tackling workplace motivation can set your business apart from the competition. Explore the motivational methods of Abraham Maslow management theory.

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory provides answers to the complexities of internal and external motivation. Achieve work-related benefits with additional training in the Maslow management theory. Calculate the amount of time available in your schedule to complete training in management theory of Abraham Maslow. Education and training that incorporates Maslow on management offers vital access to behaviorist management theory that produces results. Consider the following:

1. The Maslow business model is straightforward and practical.

2. Learn Maslow management theory through certification or traditional programs.

3. Seek out viable choices that offer training in Abraham Maslow's business theory.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Review training resources that introduce Maslow on management theory

Abraham Maslow is a distinguished leading figure in organizational behavior and theory. Begin your search for the right type of training in motivational management theory by studying the work of Abraham Maslow.

I recommend: Maurice Bassett Publishing has a variety of training materials including podcasts, books and videos about Maslow management theories. Multimedia HRD Pvt. provides a training video using Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory and practical examples of his theory used in business situations.

Find courses that teach Abraham Maslow theory of management

Review a range of educational programs at business schools with traditional degree programs. Many business school have workshops and conferences specifically designed to address the training needs of corporations and online learners through distance learning programs.

I recommend: Burlington College offers a psychology degree program with a basis in the theoretical work of Abraham Maslow. Esalen offers a workshop for business leaders, which uses Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory.

Select Maslow business consultants conducive to your training needs

Maslow management theory consultants may provide educational training opportunities such as workshops with flexible scheduling; training resources designed for usage in small groups or educational materials that incorporate a focus on using Maslow's business theory.

I recommend: Strategos has a 2-day workshop in leadership training based on Maslow business management theory. The Adler Group applies Maslow management theory to a business situation related to motivation achievement. BestManagementArticles.com has an article written by a consultant that offers practical application of Maslow management theory in an actual workplace scenario.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Abraham Maslow's theory of management is applicable in every field or industry that involves motivating employees because it's a model that encompasses a core set of values inherent in all people.