Chapter 9 Maslow: Holistic-Dynamic Theory 287Concept of Humanity
Maslow believed that all of us can be self-actualizing; our human nature
carries with it a tremendous potential for being a Good Human Being. If we
have not yet reached this high level of functioning, it is because we are in
some manner crippled or pathological. We fail to satisfy our self-actualization
needs when our lower level needs become blocked: that is, when we cannot
satisfy our needs for food, safety, love and belongingness, and esteem. This
insight led Maslow to postulate a hierarchy of basic needs that must be
regularly satisfied before we become fully human.
Maslow concluded that true human nature is seen only in self-actuaized
people, and that “there seems no intrinsic reason why everyone should not
be this way. Apparently, every baby has possibilities for self-actualization,
but most get it knocked out of them” (Lowry, 1973, p. 91). In other words,
mostly to secure safety, and people who have physiological and safety needs rela-
tively satisfied will strive to be accepted and to establish a love relationship.
Does Maslow’s theory serve as a guide to the practitioner? On this criterion,
we rate the theory as highly useful. For example, psychotherapists who have clients
with threatened safety needs must provide a safe and secure environment for those
clients. Once clients have satisfied their safety needs, the therapist can work to
provide them with feelings of love and belongingness. Likewise, personnel manag-
ers in business and industry can use Maslow’s theory to motivate workers. The
theory suggests that increases in pay cannot satisfy any needs beyond the physio-
logical and safety levels. Because physiological and safety needs are already largely
gratified for the average worker in the United States, wage increases per se will not
permanently increase worker morale and productivity. Pay raises can satisfy higher
level needs only when workers see them as recognition for a job well done. Maslow’s
theory suggests that business executives should allow workers more responsibility
and freedom, tap into their ingenuity and creativity in solving problems, and encour-
age them to use their intelligence and imagination on the job.
Is the theory internally consistent? Unfortunately, Maslow’s arcane and often
unclear language makes important parts of his theory ambiguous and inconsistent.
Apart from the problem of idiosyncratic language, however, Maslow’s theory ranks
high on the criterion of internal consistency. The hierarchy of needs concept fol-
lows a logical progression, and Maslow hypothesized that the order of needs is the
same for everyone, although he does not overlook the possibility of certain rever-
sals. Aside from some deficiencies in his scientific methods, Maslow’s theory has
a consistency and precision that give it popular appeal.
Is Maslow’s theory parsimonious, or does it contain superfluous fabricated
concepts and models? At first glance, the theory seems quite simplistic. A hierar-
chy of needs model with only five steps gives the theory a deceptive appearance
of simplicity. A full understanding of Maslow’s total theory, however, suggests a
far more complex model. Overall, the theory is moderately parsimonious.