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Public Adminstration QUESTION #9544
Question 1
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is often misapplied in organizations. Which of the following scenarios correctly identifies a managerial error arising from misapplication of the hierarchy?
  • Offering performance bonuses to a newly recruited employee who lacks job security✔️
  • Providing a spacious office to a senior official who already has high social standing in the organization
  • Enrolling a motivated high-performer in a specialized professional development course to address growth needs
  • Forming cross-departmental committees to build team cohesion among mid-level managers
Correct Answer Explanation
Maslow's hierarchy requires that lower-level needs be satisfied before higher-level needs become motivators. Offering performance bonuses (esteem/achievement level) to someone who lacks job security (safety level) misapplies the hierarchy — the employee's dominant need is safety, so bonuses will not effectively motivate until that foundational need is met.