Neha is a capable team leader. Her manager now lets her decide her ow…

Neha is a capable team leader. Her manager now lets her decide her own work methods and time-table, without checking each step. As per Maslow’s need hierarchy, this autonomy mainly satisfies which of Neha’s needs?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Esteem needs

Option (1) Self actualisation needs — Incorrect. These are the highest needs: the drive to become what one is capable of becoming, through growth, self-fulfilment and achievement of goals. Freedom to choose her methods is autonomy, which is placed under esteem.

Option (2) Esteem needs — Correct. Esteem needs include self-respect, autonomy, status, recognition and attention. Neha is trusted to decide her own methods and time-table. This freedom is autonomy, so it meets her esteem needs.

Option (3) Affiliation/Belonging needs — Incorrect. These needs are about affection, belongingness, acceptance and friendship with other people. Autonomy is not about friendship.

Option (4) Safety/Security needs — Incorrect. These needs give protection from physical and emotional harm, through job security, stable income and pension plans. Her job and income are not at stake.

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.
(v) Self Actualisation Needs: It is the highest level of need in the hierarchy. …”

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Esteem needs

Option (3) Affiliation/Belonging needs — Incorrect. These needs are about affection, belongingness, acceptance and friendship with other people. Autonomy is not about friendship.