The Complex Man

The theory on the complex nature of man was posited by Maslow who averred that man’s needs fall into a hierarchy of relative prepotency. Needs range from the most basic physiological to the most intricate psychological state of self-realization. A need ceases to be potent when it is met and man strives to satisfy the next rung of needs.

People are variable in what motivates them. Their self-motivation changes from time to time, and through time, and from situation to situation, these defines complex man. They depends on individuals, groups, and even tasks.

Maslow (1943)/Psychologist

1. Proposed a hierarchy of human needs building from basic needs at the base to higher needs at the top. 2. He made assumptions that people need to satisfy each level of need, before elevating their needs to the next higher level.

There were five common needs that operated as a hierarchy. When the most fundamental need was satisfied the next need will act as motivator.

1. Physiological needs(food, thirst, rest, sleep, exercise) These are the physical requirement for human survival.These needs are thought to be the most basic, important and intrinsic needs in the hierarchy and should be met first, because all needs become secondary until these physiological needsare met.

2. Safety and security needs (Personal & financial security, Health&well-being) When the physiological needs are relatively satisfied, people would then seek to satisfy their safety and security needs. Security needs are important for survival, but they are not as demanding as the physiological needs. This level is more likely to be found in children because they generally have a greater need to feel safe.

3. Social needs (belonging, love and affection)
After physiological and safety needs are fulfilled, the third level of human needs is interpersonal and it involves feelings of belongingness and love. Maslow considered these needs to be less basic than physiological and security needs. Relationships such as friendships, romantic attachments and families help fulfil this need for companionship and acceptance , as does involvement in social, community, or religious groups.

4. Esteem needs
After the first three needs have been satisfied, esteem needs becomes increasingly important. These include the need for things that reflect on self-esteem, personal worth, social recognition, and accomplishment. Esteem presents the typical human desire to be accepted and valued by others. People often engage in a profession or hobby to gain recognition. These activities gives the person a sense of contribution or value.

5. Self-realization needs (Self-actualization)
This is the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This level of need refers to what a person’s full potential. He describes this level as the desire to accomplish everything that one can, to become the most that one can be. Self-actualizing people are more self-aware, concerned with personal growth, less concerned with the opinions of others, and interested fulfilling their potential.