Question

Which of the following statements is incorrect with reference to Maslow’s Need Hierarchy Theory of motivation ?

• A. People’s behaviour is based on their needs.
• B. People’s needs are in hierarchical order, starting from basic needs to other higher level needs.
• C. Only a satisfied need can motivate a person.
• D. A person moves to the next higher level of the hierarchy only when the lower need is satisfied.

Hint:

Once a need is met (like hunger), it stops being a motivator, and the individual moves their focus to the next level of needs (like safety).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Maslow's Theory is based on the premise that human motivation is driven by the desire to satisfy specific needs arranged in a pyramid of importance.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
A core assumption of Maslow’s theory is that a satisfied need no longer motivates a person. It is the unsatisfied or "felt" need that drives behavior. Therefore, statement (c) is factually incorrect within the context of the theory.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The incorrect statement is (c).