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Public Adminstration QUESTION #9569
Question 1
The ERG Theory (Alderfer) modified Maslow's hierarchy in a key way that has practical implications for managers. What is the 'frustration-regression' principle in ERG theory, and how does it differ from Maslow's progression assumption?
  • Maslow assumes all five needs can be simultaneously active; Alderfer argues only one need can dominate at any time — frustration at one level activates the next lower level
  • Maslow assumes needs are activated sequentially from bottom to top; Alderfer argues that when a higher-level need is frustrated, individuals regress to intensified pursuit of a lower-level need — unlike Maslow where satisfied needs lose motivational power✔️
  • Maslow allows for simultaneous satisfaction of multiple needs; Alderfer argues that once any need is satisfied it permanently ceases to motivate — frustration only affects unsatisfied needs
  • Maslow argued that growth needs are the highest motivators; Alderfer argued that relatedness needs are more powerful in organizational settings where social comparison is constant
Correct Answer Explanation
Alderfer's frustration-regression principle says that when higher needs (relatedness, growth) are blocked, individuals don't stagnate — they increase focus on lower-level needs (existence). This differs critically from Maslow, who assumed satisfied needs lose motivational force. Practically, a manager who cannot provide growth opportunities may see employees intensify their focus on pay and job security, contradicting the Maslovian assumption that satisfied lower needs become irrelevant.