Using Human Behavior Models to Identify Needs

Objective: Identifying human needs at work using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg's Hygiene and Motivational Factors models.

Time: 60 Minutes

Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Have them reflect on the employees they supervise and how Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can be used to motivate them.

Using Survey Form 1 that is listed below, have them place a check mark next to each “Basic Need Met” that they believe all their employees meeting. Afterwards, have them discuss their answers to see if they agree that the employees' basic needs are being met or if they, as leaders, can do anything to help them meet these basic needs.

When they have completed the basic needs section, move on to the meta needs. Remind them that unlike the basic needs, meta needs do not come one right after another. For example, some people will go directly to Aesthetic and stay their all their lives, while others may jump from Cognitive to Self-actualization. Have them place a check mark next to any of the meta needs levels that they believe their employees might be trying to achieve or sustain. Have them discuss what they as leaders can do to help them achieve or sustain the meta need.

Now, repeat the activity for Herzberg's Hygiene and Motivational Factors. First, have them reflect on the employees they supervise and how Herzberg's Hygiene and Motivational Factors can be used to motivate them.

Next, using Survey Form 2 listed below, have them place a check mark next to each “Hygiene or Dissatisfiers” that they believe the organization provides as a hygiene factor. Remember, the organization could provide for instance, a salary, but it might be so low that it is a dissatisfier. Have them discuss their answers to see if they all agree that the employee's hygiene needs are being met or if they, as leaders, can do anything to help them meet these needs.

When they have completed the “Hygiene or Dissatisfiers” section, move on to “Motivators or Satisfiers.” Have them place a check mark next to any of the Motivators that they believe their organization uses to motivate employees and if they as leaders could help implement any that are not being used.

After the small groups have worked on the activity, bring them back together and discuss:


Survey Form 1

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Basic Needs:

     4. Esteem __________

     3. Belongingness and love __________

     2. Safety __________

     1. Physiological __________

Meta Needs:

     8. Self-transcendence __________

     7. Self-actualization __________

     6. Aesthetic __________

     5. Cognitive __________


Survey Form 2

Herzberg's Hygiene and Motivational Factors

Hygiene or Dissatisfiers:

    Working conditions __________

     Policies and administrative practices __________

     Salary and Benefits __________

     Supervision __________

     Status __________

     Job security __________

     Fellow workers __________

     Personal life __________

Motivators or Satisfiers:

     Recognition __________

     Achievement __________

     Advancement __________

     Growth __________

     Responsibility __________

     Job challenge __________


Next Step

Return to the Leadership Training and Development Outline

Return to Leadership & Human Behavior (Maslow, Herzberg, and McGregor)