Who Built the Pyramid?

Abraham Maslow’s theory of motivation has existed for many years. His studies became widely known as other disciplines were trying to understand what motivates people, specifically at work. Maslow’s theory can be applied to almost any situation in an interpersonal relationship. Still, with so much at stake in the workplace, it became a hot topic for those trying to understand and improve organizational behavior.

?We are all familiar with the concept, if not the actual Pyramid. Maslow’s theory states that, essentially, there is a hierarchy of needs. Humans strive to achieve these goals or steps in order to build self-esteem. Beginning with the physical or basic needs, the theory progresses to self-actualization. The concept, as applied to employees, is that the first requirement is to meet the physiological needs of the employee in terms of providing a living wage. From there, the theory advances to safety, love and belonging, esteem, and finally, self-actualization.

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Figure 1

Traditionally, we have seen this need portrayed as a pyramid. However, in the article “Who Built Maslow’s Pyramid? A History of the Creation of Management Studies’ most famous symbol and its implications for Management Education.” Bridgman, Cummings, and Ballard (2019), the authors look for a reference that includes a pyramid diagram but cannot find it. Where did the Pyramid come from??

?Another version of the hierarchy of needs displayed in a stair step design

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Figure 2

Finally, a waveform style chart

Figure 3

All three have valid points that are open for interpretation. One of the benefits of Maslow’s theory is the many ways in which it can be interpreted. For example, it has largely been touted as a key to understanding employee motivation at work. It could also be applied on a one-to-one basis with relationships and, by extension, families.

?The origin of the Pyramid remains a mystery, but thank you to authors Bridgman, Cummings, and Ballard for offering such a great introduction to a symbol that has dominated management studies for many years.

The following article inspires the content of this article:

Bridgman, T., Cummings, S., & Ballard, J. (2019). Who Built Maslow’s Pyramid? A History of the Creation of Management Studies’ Most Famous Symbol and Its Implications for Management Education.?Academy of Management Learning & Education,?18(1), 81–98. https://doi-org/10.5465/amle.2017.0351

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Figure 1. Maslow’s Pyramid of Needs diagram/chart. Zazzle. (n.d.). https://www.zazzle.com/maslows_pyramid_of_needs_diagram_chart-228172166874980206?rf=238689132076650504&tc=CjwKCAjwvvmzBhA2EiwAtHVrb1kZdUo9R4qJUXC-RA7BfGDWjGW8RUqnoDxDLcPJYqRdjFm_PtxgXxoCUVcQAvD_BwE&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20166702866&utm_term=z228172166874980206&z_dev=c&z_net=x&z_lim=&z_lpm=9052003&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvvmzBhA2EiwAtHVrb1kZdUo9R4qJUXC-RA7BfGDWjGW8RUqnoDxDLcPJYqRdjFm_PtxgXxoCUVcQAvD_BwE

Figure 2: Bridgman, T., Cummings, S., & Ballard, J. (2019). Who Built Maslow’s Pyramid? A History of the Creation of Management Studies’ Most Famous Symbol and Its Implications for Management Education.?Academy of Management Learning & Education,?18(1), 81–98. https://doi-org/10.5465/amle.2017.0351

Figure 3. Foley, R. (2021, October 6). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Outlier. https://articles.outlier.org/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs

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