Question

Discuss the relevance and the limitations of Maslow Theory for today's Organization.

Answer 1

Maslow's Theory is one of the most important theory but at the same time it has its own relevance as well as dmerits regarding its application in today's Organization. The today's organizations operates in a business environment that very dynamic , competitive and volatile. The relevance and limitations of the theory are discussed below:-

Relevance of Maslow’s Theory of Motivation:

(A) It helps the managers in understanding how to motivate the employees.In order to achieve desired results motivation of employees is very necessary and this theory provides a categorical details of the needs of employees.

(ii) It is very simple, common and easily understandable.

(iii) includes both inter-personal and intra-personal variations in human behaviour.

(iv) It is dynamic because it presents motivation as a changing force; changing from one level of needs to the other and current business world is also dynamic in which business organization has to operate.

Limitations of Maslow’s Theory of Motivation:

A. Problems with hierarchical structure:-In current dynamic world every individual has their ordering of needs. Researcher have proved that there is lack of hierarchical structure of needs.

B.Cause and Effect relationship:- lack of direct cause and effect relationship between need and behaviour. One particular need may cause different type of behaviour in different persons. On the other hand, as a particular individual behaviour may be due to the result of different needs. Thus, need hierarchy is not as simple as it appears to be.

C. Need and satisfaction of needs is a psychological feeling.

D. The hierarchy of need simply does not exist. At all levels needs are present at given time. An individual motivated by self actualisation needs cannot afford to forget his food.

Among all the theories of personality, Maslow’s theory is limited in that it is only a model — it can capture certain facets of an individual’s personality, but it cannot capture individuals wholly.Maslow’s hierarchy provides a basic path for self-improvement. Growth and personal development are hot topics today, and despite the lack of rigorous scientific support, it offers a general framework people can use to better themselves.

At the same time organization have to deal with various requirements of employees and this theory does not present and proper hierarchy of needs of employees.