Read the following passage and answer the question.
Rajeev, Ramanti and Anshu completed their MBA together from a business school in Goa. Before joining work, they talked about the kind of organisation each of them wanted. Rajeev preferred a government job. He said such a job gives stability of future income and work, so he could work with greater zeal. It would also give him a pension after he retires. Ramanti wanted a company that runs skill development programmes for its employees and helps them grow to higher levels in the organisation. She also wanted facilities like housing and medical aid. Anshu wanted an organisation with a culture of individual autonomy and consideration for employees, where she would get the opportunity for personal growth and a meaningful work experience.
Which need in Maslow’s need hierarchy is Rajeev mainly trying to satisfy through his choice of job?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Safety/Security needs
Option (1) Esteem needs — Incorrect. Esteem needs include self-respect, status, recognition and attention. Rajeev does not speak of any of these.
Option (2) Safety/Security needs — Correct. Safety/Security needs give security and protection from physical and emotional harm. Job security, stability of income and pension plans are examples. Rajeev wants stable income and work and a pension, so he wants to meet this need.
Option (3) Affiliation/Belonging needs — Incorrect. Affiliation/Belonging needs refer to affection, belongingness, acceptance and friendship. His choice is not about relations with others.
Option (4) Self actualisation needs — Incorrect. Self actualisation is the highest need. It is the drive to become what one is capable of becoming, through growth and self-fulfilment. That is closer to what Anshu wants.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Maslow’s Need Hierarchy Theory … His theory was based on human needs. He felt that within every human being, there exists a hierarchy of five needs. These are: |