Which of the following is an assumption on which Maslow's need hierarchy theory based?

(A) People’s behaviour is based on their needs
(B) People's need depends upon their family structure
(C) People’s needs are in hierarchical order
(D) People fulfill their highest level need first
(E) A satisfied need can no longer motivate a person

Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

(A), (C) and (E) only

The correct answer is option 4- (A), (C) and (E) only.

(A), (C) and (E) are assumptions of need hierarchy theory of Maslow.

Abraham Maslow, a well-known psychologist in a classic paper published in 1943, outlined the elements of an overall theory of motivation. His theory was based on human needs. He felt that within every human being, there exists a hierarchy of five needs.

Maslow’s theory is based on the following assumptions:

(i) People’s behaviour is based on their needs. Satisfaction of such needs influences their behaviour.
(ii) People’s needs are in hierarchical order, starting from basic needs to other higher level needs.
(iii) A satisfied need can no longer motivate a person; only next higher level need can motivate him.
(iv) A person moves to the next higher level of the hierarchy only when the lower need is satisfied.

Maslow’s Theory focuses on the needs as the basis for motivation. This theory is widely recognised and appreciated. However, some of his propositions are questioned on his classification of needs and hierarchy of needs. But, despite such criticism, the theory is still relevant because needs, no matter how they are classified, are important to understand the behaviour. It helps managers to realise that the need level of employee should be identified to provide motivation to them.