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:
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Which model is easier to use?
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Why?
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Does that mean you should only base your motivating decisions on that model?
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Which of the models would you like your managers to use when they are making motivating decisions that affect you?
Survey Form 1
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)