The hierarchy of needs was introduced by:

DSSSB October 2024

Applied Psychology

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, is credited with introducing the 'Hierarchy of Needs' in his 1943 paper, 'A Theory of Human Motivation'.
This theory proposes a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as a pyramid, which must be fulfilled in a specific order, starting from the most basic physiological needs.
The hierarchy progresses from physiological needs to safety, love and belonging, esteem, and finally, self-actualization.
This model is a foundational concept in psychology and is widely applied in management and nursing to understand human motivation and prioritize actions.

Option B: Henri Fayol's work focused on the administrative aspects of management, not on the psychological needs that motivate individuals.
Option C: Douglas McGregor's contribution was Theory X and Theory Y, which are about management's assumptions about employee attitudes towards work, not a hierarchical structure of universal human needs.
Option D: Max Weber was a sociologist who developed the theory of bureaucracy, focusing on organizational structure, rules, and impersonal authority. His theory does not address the hierarchy of individual needs.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Theories of Motivation and Management as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses frequently use Maslow's hierarchy to prioritize patient care. For example, a patient's physiological need for oxygen (ABCs) takes precedence over their need for emotional support (love/belonging).
In nursing management, the theory helps leaders understand staff motivation. A nurse who feels unsafe at work (due to workplace violence, for example) will not be motivated by opportunities for professional development (self-actualization) until their safety needs are met.
What if? A patient is refusing to participate in physical therapy after surgery. Instead of labeling the patient as 'non-compliant,' a nurse using Maslow's framework would first assess for unmet lower-level needs. Is the patient in too much pain (physiological need)? Do they fear falling (safety need)? Addressing these foundational needs is the first step to motivating the patient to engage in higher-level activities related to recovery and esteem.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question stem, which is the 'hierarchy of needs'.
This is a factual recall question that requires you to connect a specific theory to its originator.
Scan the options to see if the name you associate with the theory is present. Abraham Maslow is famously linked to the hierarchy of needs.
Briefly consider the other options to confirm they are incorrect. Mentally recall or deduce the main contributions of Fayol (administration), McGregor (Theory X/Y), and Weber (bureaucracy).
Confirm that these other theories are distinct from the hierarchy of needs, solidifying your choice of Abraham Maslow as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Principles and Practice of NURSING Management Leadership for BSc Nursing 3rd Edi Jogindra Vati — Subpart A (pp 26-339 of 1017) p. 76-78

E6 Principles and Practice of NURSING Management Leadership for BSc Nursing 3rd Edi Jogindra Vati — Subpart B (pp 340-678 of 1017) p. 201-203

E6 Nursing_Management_and_leadership_Johny_Kutty_JosephCbs_Publishers (pp 16-364 of 374) p. 216-218