Is the need the main driver behind motivation? It is universally accepted that motivation as an attribute acts a significant determinant in level of energy and enthusiasm that we draw on in our daily lives to undertake any activity, be it manual or intellectual. In the context of management science it is accorded topmost importance. Unless there is a higher level of motivation in a particular workforce merely setting higher goals would prove to be meaningless. Thus the level of motivation varies from person to person and organization to organization. The higher motivation characterizes distinguishes a leading successful organization from an unsuccessful one though both of which may be operating in the same industry. The organizations owned and by Tatas may be cited as an example. The philosophy of the organization comes into play in a big way in this regard.

In an organization the diversity in the cultural backgrounds of the employees and workers poses the biggest challenge for the management in designing a suitable system aiming at boosting the overall motivation of the workforce at the workplace without which quality production, higher productivity would only remain pipe-dreams and all the plans and programmes would not leave the drawing boards.

In this all important task of motivating the people in th organization , the question of identifying the needs of this disparate mass of people acquires crucial importance. There are a number of motivational theories in the management. But the one which has won universal acclaim and acceptance is known as Maslow's theory of needs in which he powerfully and cogently argued the importance of the role of need in motivating individuals to orient their actions towards achieving higher ends in life by structuring the needs in hierarchical form which takes the shape of a pyramid. In doing so he primarily based his work on the psychological process of a human being. In the pyramidal tiers of needs he has demonstrated the logical progression from lower needs to the higher needs which can described as follows:

Physiological Needs

In Maslow's scheme of needs physiological needs are at the base of the pyramid which represent the very basic needs of a human being and the most interesting aspect of this need is that in this category of needs he is not any different from the animals. Thus the need for food, need for biological satisfaction, need for clothes and need for a roof to protect against rains, storms or heat are classic examples of physiological needs.

Safety Needs

Once the physiological needs are reasonably are satisfied , the individuals move up the ladder of needs of another category which are known as safety needs. They tend to be protective about their existing conditions. It is particularly worth noting that unlike adults who display their sense of insecurity in times of emergencies in form of social or natural upheavals, the children who are most vulnerable exhibit this state of insecurity all the time during the childhood phase.

Thus safety needs are considered to be important in motivational matters.

Need for Love,Affection and Belongingness

Maslow's identification of this category of needs is of momentous significance. After our physiological needs and safety needs are satisfied we move on to this hierarchy. Who can deny the need for love and affection in this world? One can walk thousands of miles just to be loved! It is in the nature of the human beings to feel lonely with all his or her achievements. We seek companions and company to drive away this feeling of loneliness. We value affection of our parents and near and dear ones. And when we succeed in getting it , the feeling is one of supreme bliss.

Need for Self-esteem

In the hierarchical structure of needs, the next one is also very significant which is known as need for self-esteem. The self-esteem is one of the main ingredients in making a well-balance and well-rounded personality. A person who succeeds in developing self-esteem and values it with all that he is worth, is confident. Similarly a person without self-esteem is diffident and becomes a worst victim of harbouring all negative feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.

Need for Self-Actualization

The need for self-actualization is the highest form of needs forming the top of the pyramid. When all the needs below it are satisfied to a reasonable degree, the need for self-actualization emerges in his psychological radar. It is basically a desire to fulfill the inherent qualities or talent that a person is endowed with since his or her birth. Thus a person born with literary talent would always manifest a kind restlessness and inner tension until he or she realizes the latent potential.

The Maslow's theory is a landmark work in shaping and influencing the thoughts and behaviour of management scholars, students and managers for it pragmatism and clarity.