Maslow, Monkeys and Motivation Theory

Abstract

One of the most enduring influences in motivation theory is Maslow's needs hierarchy. The empirical basis for the needs hierarchy was Maslow's own studies of dominance in monkeys and humans. In both cases, Maslow concluded that one individual's ability to be dominant over others was due to that individual's acknowledged superiority, and that differences in human or monkey groups occurred because of differences in the exercise of dominance by the individuals in those groups. The incorporation of these ideas into the needs hierarchy explains its intuitive appeal: the hierarchy justifies managerial power, while at the same time absolving managers of accountability for ineffective motivational practices. However, recent primatological research reveals serious flaws in Maslow's understanding of the nature of dominance in monkeys and apes. As a consequence, Maslow's theory is based on research which is no longer considered valid by the discipline in which it was done.