Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory has been criticised because:
A) there have been no subsequent research studies of the theory.
B) it is not clear how it can be useful in management applications.
C) it is difficult to see how anyone could progress to the highest level as we would always be getting pulled down the hierarchy by the non-fulfilment of lower-order needs.
D) Maslow missed at least one vital human need in designing the hierarchy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The very notion of a hierarchy of needs is problematic. If taken literally, it is difficult to see how anyone could progress to the highest level (self-actualisation), as we would always be getting pulled down the hierarchy by the non-fulfilment of lower-order needs (which take precedence over higherorder ones). Eventually Maslow himself recognised this conundrum, and modified the theory by suggesting that a person could function at multiple levels simultaneously.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory Has Been Criticised Because