Maslow's theory divides needs into five categories: physiological needs, security needs, love and belonging, respect and self-realization, which are arranged from low level to high level. After the self-realization demand, there is also self-transcendence demand, but it is usually not a necessary level in Maslow's demand hierarchy, and most of them will integrate self-transcendence into self-realization demand.

Popular understanding: If a person lacks food, safety, love and respect at the same time, then the demand for food is usually the strongest, and other needs are not so important. At this time, people's consciousness is almost completely occupied by hunger, and all their energy is used to get food. In this extreme situation, the whole meaning of life is to eat, and nothing else is important. Only by liberating people from the control of physiological needs can we have more advanced and socialized needs, such as security needs.

Theoretical evaluation:

I. Positive aspects

1. Maslow put forward that human needs have a process of development from low level to high level, which accords with the general law of human needs development to some extent.

2. Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory points out that in each period, one demand is dominant and other needs are subordinate. This is instructive for management.

3. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is based on his humanistic psychology. The inner strength of human beings is different from the instinct of animals. Human nature requires the realization of intrinsic value and intrinsic potential. Human behavior is dominated by consciousness, and human behavior is purposeful and creative. ?

Second, the negative aspects.

1. The hierarchy of needs theory has the limitations of humanism.

2. Human motivation is the cause of behavior, and the hierarchy of needs theory emphasizes that human motivation is determined by human needs. ?

3. Demand classifications tend to overlap.

4. The hierarchy of needs theory tends to be self-centered.

5. The standard and degree to be achieved are vague.

Extended data:

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory is one of the theories of humanities, which was put forward by American psychologist Abraham Maslow in his paper "Theory of Human Motivation" 1943. The book divides people's needs from low to high like a ladder into five levels, namely: physiological needs, security needs, social needs, respect needs and self-realization needs.

Theoretical analysis:

1. Five kinds need to be promoted step by step from low to high like a ladder, but the order is not completely fixed and can be changed, and there are various exceptions.

2. The hierarchy of needs theory has two basic starting points. First, everyone has needs, and after a certain level of needs is met, another level of needs appears; Second, before a variety of needs are met, meet the urgent needs first; After this demand is met, the latter demand shows their incentive effect.

Generally speaking, when a certain level of demand is relatively satisfied, it will develop to a higher level, and the pursuit of higher-level demand will become the driving force of behavior. Accordingly, the demand for basic satisfaction is no longer an incentive force.

4. Five needs can be divided into two levels, among which physiological needs, safety needs and emotional needs belong to the lower level and can be met by external conditions; The need for respect and self-realization is an advanced need, which can be met by internal factors. A person's need for respect and self-realization is endless.

Maslow and other behavioral psychologists believe that the demand level of most people in a country is directly related to the level of economic development, scientific and technological development, culture and people's education. In developing countries, the proportion of people with physiological needs and safety needs is large, and the proportion of people with advanced needs is small; In developed countries, the situation is just the opposite.

Reference link: Baidu Encyclopedia-Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory