Analysis Of Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs

John H. Denhalter II
Chief Doug Moriarty
Fire Management 1
4 April 2014
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and how it pertains to the fire service

Maslow’s theory is simple, if your basic needs our met you will strive to achieve your next level of need. As you achieve human needs you will desire greater needs until you reach self- actualization or transcendence. Throughout this paper first I will be discussing Maslow’s theory and the different levels of achievement. As well as the changes he made to his theory in the 70’s. I will talk about the grouping for these achievements and where they fit in the hierarchy of needs. Secondly, we will talk about how Maslow’s theory motivates and how we use it in our careers. Lastly, I will bring up how this theory fits into the fire service. I will also show how to use it as a motivational tool as a manager. In my conclusion I will discuss the differences we can make just by fallowing this platform of motivation to create the most motivated firefighters.
Maslow’s original theory talked about a pyramid shape of achievements that every person unknowingly is striving to achieve. The bottom level is physiological needs such as food, water, shelter, and warmth. As we move up the pyramid next is safety which is security (money), stability, and freedom of fear. These two bottom sections of the pyramid are known as the basic needs because everyone on earth requires these basic needs to move to the next level of the pyramid. The next level is belonging/ love needs consisting of friends, family, spouse, or lover. From here on up your base needs are very helpful in reaching your next needs, Self-esteem which includes achievement, mastery, recognition, and respect. Lastly is your self-actualization need where ...

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...ers and mentors and have decided who I would like to work like and one day become. I take different lessons and motivations from each one of my leaders and have over time developed my own method of motivation. Watching so many different styles of motivation from the “figure it out yourself” to the “watch over you like a hawk”, and everything in between has given me the skills to one day motivate somewhere in the middle. The other skills I have acquired over time observing others are the different methods required to motivate each person individually. One thing I have learned and will hold true as I motivate as a manager is positive reinforcement will keep your employee striving to motivate themselves. In closing I would just like to say that even though there may be a few holes in Maslow’s theory it’ a great way to look at motivating and managing your employees.