Week 2 Discussion 2 ERG Theory and Maslow's Hierarchy

Describe the similarities and differences between the ERG Theory and Maslow's Hierarchy. How have you used either of the two theories in daily life? Respond to at least two of your peers for this posting.

AN SAMPLE RESPONSE FROM A FORMER STUDENT:

Describe the similarities and differences between the ERG Theory and Maslow's Hierarchy.

According to Baack (2012), Maslow considered physiological and safety needs to be lower-order, physically based needs. Social needs, esteem, and self-actualization constitute higher-order needs that have a psychological or mental basis. Maslow surmised that relatively few people achieve self-actualization status. Alderfer added a second concept to Maslow’s approach, frustration–regression. While the ERG model does add to the ideas present in the hierarchy of needs, it does not solve any of the problems associated with that theory. As a result, progression-based models of need fulfillment were soon replaced by new approaches” (Baack, 2012, Section 4.2).

The way I comprehend the ERG Theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy is that it appears that Alderfer’s ERG Theory was an endeavor to reach a way to reduce the complexity or characterization of people by breaking down the three categories of human needs, existence, relatedness, and growth needs.  It appears that existence needs equate to certain ideas about one’s safety and normal functions such as how they appear physically. Relatedness needs associate with one’s social needs like needing to belong and be loved, and growth needs unite one’s needs for self-esteem, needing to belong or individual recognition. 

The similarities are both apply a hierarchical system where a particular stage has to be totally completed before moving on to the next stage, and both specify the standards that are needed for motivation.

The differences are:

Maslow believes that each stage of the 5 must be fully completed before advancing to the next stage, and Herzberg suggests that only 2 stages (hygiene and motivators) should be fully completed instead of 5.

Maslow’s view is that satisfying each stage leads to motivation, but then Herzberg believes that 

How have you used either of the two theories in daily life?

Without being cognizant of these theories in daily life, it appears that I used Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs because I delayed attending college, got married and had three sons. I was fortunate enough to have a job that paid well and almost equaled my late husband’s salary (high school teacher) before he passed at age 51.  I view this delay as prioritizing a stage of life before moving to the next.

Baack, D. (2012). Organizational behavior. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.