How does Alderfer's ERG theory compare with Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory?
What will be an ideal response?
Clayton Alderfer's existence-relatedness-growth (ERG) theory is also a need theory of work motivation. Alderfer's theory builds on some of Maslow's thinking but reduces the number of universal needs from five to three and is more flexible in terms of movement between levels. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is as follows: physiological needs, safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization. Alderfer also proposes that needs may be arranged in the following three-part hierarchy: existence, relatedness, and growth.
Whereas Maslow assumes that lower-level needs must be satisfied before a higher-level need is a motivator, Alderfer lifts this restriction. According to ERG theory, a higher-level need can be a motivator even if a lower-level need is not fully satisfied; in addition, needs at more than one level can be motivators at any time. Alderfer agrees with Maslow that as lower-level needs are satisfied, an employee becomes motivated to satisfy higher-level needs. Alderfer breaks with Maslow, however, on the consequences of need frustration. Maslow says that once a lower-level need is satisfied, it is no longer a source of motivation. Alderfer proposes that if an individual is motivated to satisfy a higher-level need but has difficulty doing so, then the person's motivation to satisfy lower-level needs will increase.
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