Principles of Management CLEP Practice Exam 2026 – Your Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is the foundational theory of motivation that proposes a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as a pyramid. At the base are physiological needs, which must be satisfied first, such as food, water, and shelter. Once these basic needs are met, individuals seek safety and security, followed by social needs like belonging and love. The higher levels consist of esteem needs, which encompass the desire for respect and recognition, and ultimately self-actualization, where individuals strive to reach their fullest potential.

This theory emphasizes that individuals are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to higher-level needs. Understanding this hierarchy helps managers recognize what drives employee motivation at different stages and may guide them in creating an environment that fosters motivation by addressing these needs progressively.

Other theories mentioned, such as Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, focus on the distinction between hygiene factors and motivators, while McClelland's Theory of Needs is centered around the drives of achievement, affiliation, and power. Adams' Equity Theory deals with fairness and equity perceptions in the workplace rather than a sequential hierarchy of needs. Therefore, Maslow's theory specifically targets the layered progression of motivations that individuals experience as they strive for personal growth and fulfillment.