Maslow’s Hierarchy and ERG Theory

The Existence, Relatedness, and Growth Theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy

The Existence, Relatedness, and Growth Theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy are compared and contrasted in this essay, along with their practical applications.

Alderfer’s Existence, Relatedness, and Growth Theory

According to Clayton Alderfer’s Existence, Relatedness, and Growth Theory, there are three basic needs that are unrelated to one another and can be satisfied at any time. According to the theory, it is not necessary to fulfill the requirements at the lower level in order to fulfill the requirements at the higher level. Existence is related to a person’s physical needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter, while Relatedness is related to a person’s needs in a professional context, and Growth is related to needs for personal growth (Botha & Venter, 2016).

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

On the other hand, Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs theory depicts levels within a pyramid with requirements that are precedence over others. The order begins with physiological, safety, belongingness and love, esteem, and self-actualization needs respectively.

Comparison and Differences

Remarkably, the theories have certain similarities which include that they both have needs arranged in a certain hierarchy with higher needs at the top and lower needs at the bottom. Also, both theories were formulated to elaborate human motivation in persuading actions. Some of the differences include that the Existence, Relatedness, and Growth needs are arranged and classified into three levels while Maslow’s hierarchy needs are arranged and classified into five levels (Taormina & Gao, 2013). Additionally, Existence, Relatedness, and Growth Theory do not follow a specific order in which needs can be satisfied in the levels, unlike Maslow’s theory where requirements are satisfied in a particular order starting from lower to higher needs. Another difference is that Existence, Relatedness, and Growth Theory asserts that the order of requirements varies in different individuals, but Maslow’s theory stresses that requirements are universal.

Practical Application

Notably, Maslow’s theory has been useful in my daily life where I have been able to classify my needs in the pyramid order since I got my first job. I began by satisfying my physiological needs which involved food and water and later safety and security needs. Lately, I have been experiencing the need for acceptance and self-esteem in the workplace and among my friends. Particularly, with my life as an example, I have come to understand how the hierarchy works starting from the base to the top.

References

Botha, A., & Venter, J. (2016). THE EFFECT OF LIFE STAGES ON NEEDS SATISFIED BY CREDIT USED, ACCORDING TO ALDERFER’S EXISTENCE RELATEDNESS GROWTH THEORY. Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets & Institutions, 6(4). http://dx.doi.org/10.22495/rgcv6i4c2art10

Taormina, & Gao. (2013). Maslow and the Motivation Hierarchy: Measuring Satisfaction of the Needs. The American Journal of Psychology, 126(2), 155. http://dx.doi.org/10.5406/amerjpsyc.126.2.0155