Which of the components in Alderfers ERG theory relates to Maslows need of physiological and safety needs?
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In several aspects while Alderfer’s theory is similar to the one given by Maslow; it redefines Maslow’s theory to simplify it. However, there are some key differences between the two versions. Alderfer gave three key categories of needs. They were E – Existence, R- Relatedness and G for growth needs. One most important difference
between the two theories is that while Maslow maintains each low category of needs should be satisfied before someone can move up, Alderfer shows that two or more categories could be satisfied simultaneously. Alderfer’s theory is less rigid in terms of the satisfaction of needs. Existence needs: This is the most basic category of needs defined by Alderfer. However, the existence level in his theory corresponds to the two most basic categories of needs in Maslow’s theory. They are the
physiological and the safety needs which are most essential for anybody’s existence. Relatedness needs: The relatedness needs are the human needs to relate with others and feel important. This category corresponds to the two middle groups in Maslow’s theory. Maslow’s categories of social needs and external component of self-esteem needs come within this category. It relates to people’s need to have interpersonal relationships and relate with others in the society. People also need
recognition and value to feel valued in the society. Growth needs: The growth needs in Alderfer’s ERG theory corresponds to the intrinsic component of Maslow’s self-esteem needs and his self-actualization needs. People look for growth and personal development by doing work that is meaningful. Alderfer put forward these three main categories of needs. Moreover, the order of need satisfaction could be more flexible as per his theory rather than
Maslow’s theory. While the existence needs have a higher priority, the priority may change for people with changing circumstances. Some of the key differences between the two theories are as follows: Managers must understand the sources of motivation for their
employees by understanding their needs. Employees can have more than one needs at the same time and if the managers focus on just one need, it might not satisfy the employee. Moreover, as per the frustration regression element, if one of the higher needs of an employee is not satisfied it will give riser to frustration and affect his morale. Suggested Reading:
How Micromanagement hurts worker productivity. Abhijeet has been blogging on educational topics and business research since 2016. He graduated with a Hons. in English literature from BRABU and an MBA from the Asia-Pacific Institute of
Management, New Delhi. He likes to blog and share his knowledge and research in business management, marketing, literature and other areas with his readers. ERG theory consists of three groups of core needs: existence, relatedness, and growth. ERG theory shows that a person works on fulfilling these needs simultaneously or separately depending on the difference of goals, status, and the environment. Clayton Alderfer reworked Maslow’s need hierarchy to align it with the empirical research. His revised need hierarchy is labeled ERG theory. Alderfer argues that there are three groups of core needs: existence, relatedness, and growth. Existence NeedsThese are constantly and pervasively important in the work setting. Some of them are job security, suitable working conditions, reasonable working hours, pay and fringe benefits.
Relatedness NeedsThese needs focus on how people relate to their social environment. It involves the relationship with significant others—family, supervisors, co-workers, subordinates, friends and so on.
Growth NeedsThese needs are those that compel a person to make creative or productive efforts for him or herself. The satisfaction of growth is what a person needs to experience in a sense of completeness as a human being.
ERG theory holds that the fewer existence needs are satisfied the more they will be desired, but the more existence needs are satisfied; the more relatedness needs will be desired. The fewer relatedness needs are satisfied, the more both existence and relatedness needs will be desired, but the more relatedness needs are satisfied, the more growth needs are desired. In this way, Alderfer distinguishes between chronic needs which persist over a period of time and the episode needs which are situational and can change according to the environment. ERG Theory vs Hierarchy of Needs TheoryERG Theory is an Improvement from Hierarchy of Needs Theory. Maslow model suggested that in modern social worker has already satisfied their lower level need, so they are now motivated by higher needs. On the other hand, ERG theory suggested that the failure to satisfy relatedness or growth needs will cause renewed interest in existence need. In addition to collapsing Maslow’s five into three, Alderfer’s ERG theory also differs from Maslow’s in that:
Which needs in Alderfer's ERG theory are closely related to Maslow's physiologic and safety needs?ERG Theory
Existence need corresponds to Maslow's physiological and safety needs, relatedness corresponds to social needs, and growth need refers to Maslow's esteem and self actualization. Source: Based on Alderfer, C. P. (1969).
How does the ERG theory relate to Maslow's hierarchy of needs?In ERG theory, there are 3 levels: Existence, Relatedness, and Growth. In Maslow's theory, there are 5 levels: Physiological needs, safety needs, love and belongingness needs. esteem needs and self-actualization. The existence needs in ERG theory equate to Maslow's physiological and safety needs.
How does Alderfer's ERG theory build on Maslow's hierarchy theory?Alderfer's ERG theory of motivation builds on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and states that humans have three core types of need: Existence, Relatedness and Growth. These needs may be of different levels of priority for different individuals, and their relative importance for an individual may vary over time.
How is Maslow's theory different from Alderfer's ERG theory?The Differences Between Maslow's Theory and the ERG Theory
In other words, Maslow's theory is that everyone's needs progress through the specific five-level pyramid structure, whereas the ERG theory is that people satisfy their needs in different ways at different levels.
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