Case Study Of Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs Theory

Saskia works for a local bakery. Christmas is approaching and as a result the bakery has brought back their special Christmas cupcake. Last year the cupcake simply contained frosting, however this year they are topped with frosting and a candy cane. The sales for the cupcakes this year have not been as high as last year. Saskia has realised that many people are not eating the candy cane, but rather throwing it in the bin and then taking a bite of the cake. Saskia believes that the candy cane being too overwhelming for a cake is the main reason for the low sales and the cupcakes should simply contain frosting, but she has not been able to successfully persuade the head baker of this.

Psychological application

Saskias persuasion ability could

The hierarchy of needs expresses that there are certain needs that a manager, for example should acknowledge in order to increase motivation and morale. In Maslow’s theory it is stated that there are basic needs that must be met before workers become motivated. Maslow highlights that first and foremost psychological needs are to be met if Amber wants to motivate her workers, psychological factors include food and water and in order for her workers to be able to obtain these basic needs Amber must provide a reasonable wage. Safety is also presented as a basic need in the hierarchy of needs. Amber should be able to guarantee that the nail salon provides a safe environment for her workers as they are more likely to work to the best of their ability knowing they are distant from harm. Moscow puts great emphasis on the fact if the physical needs and safety needs are executed adequately, love needs will emerge. Amber should ensure that the work environment is a loving one so that workers will feel joy coming into work and thus wanting to do their best. Amber may also want to contemplate esteem needs, recognizing good work. Amber could verbally show appreciation to her workers when they have done a good job as it is stressed that without this workers may feel discouraged and incapable reducing morale. Lastly Amber should recognize the need for self-actualization by presenting

Annessa needs the staff to work as a team to provide a standard of customer service that reflects the five star rating and reputation of the hotel.

Psychological application

In order to get the staff working as a team it may be usefull for Annessa to understand and take into account Teamwork Theory (Bruce Tuckman 1965). In The Teamwork Theory, Tuckman highlights four key phases that occur in regards to team development. Forming is the first phase, in forming a team Annessa should get the get the group familiar with the task and set ground rules for them. It may benefit Annessa if she gains an understanding of storming, the second stage in Tuckman’s theory. In this phase the team may become hostile towards one another and may have an emotional response to the task and Annessa herself. Annessa should acknowledge that this stage may be inevitable. Norming is the next phase. During norming the team will begin to work cohesively. Anessa may benefit from establishing roles and norms as conflicts tend to diminish at this stage. During the last stage, known as performing Annessa will see the team beginning to focus on the role of waitressing and the relationship with each