Which of the following pairs of an individual example and its need in…

Which of the following pairs of an individual example and its need in Maslow’s need hierarchy is correctly matched?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → Status – Esteem needs

Option (1) Friendship – Esteem needs — Incorrect. Friendship is the individual example of affiliation/belonging needs, which cover affection, acceptance and friendship.

Option (2) Stability of income – Basic physiological needs — Incorrect. Stability of income is a safety/security need, as it protects a person from harm. The individual example of physiological needs is hunger.

Option (3) Self fulfilment – Affiliation/Belonging needs — Incorrect. Self fulfilment is the example of self actualisation needs, the highest level, where a person grows into what he is capable of becoming.

Option (4) Status – Esteem needs — Correct. Esteem needs include self-respect, autonomy, status, recognition and attention. So status is the individual example shown at the esteem level.

NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Maslow’s Need Hierarchy Theory of Motivation: … His theory was based on human needs. He felt that within every human being, there exists a hierarchy of five needs. These are:
(i) Basic Physiological Needs: These needs are most basic in the hierarchy and corresponds to primary needs. Hunger, thirst, shelter, sleep and sex are some examples of these needs. In the organisational context, basic salary helps to satisfy these needs.
(ii) Safety/Security Needs: These needs provide security and protection from physical and emotional harm. Examples: job security, stability of income, Pension plans etc.,
(iii) Affiliation/Belonging Needs: These needs refer to affection, sense of belongingness, acceptance and friendship.
(iv) Esteem Needs: These include factors such as self-respect, autonomy status, recognition and attention.”

NCERT extract