Sign up for our newsletter, to get updates regarding the Call for Paper, Papers & Research.
Investigating the Applicability of Maslow’s Theory of Hierarchy of Needs on Selected Filipino Teachers
Investigating the Applicability of Maslow’s Theory of Hierarchy of Needs on Selected Filipino Teachers
Dr. Frederick Edward T. Fabella
FEU Roosevelt, Cainta, Rizal, Philippines
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2023.71053
Received: 11 September 2023; Accepted: 21 September 2023; Published: 20 October 2023
ABSTRACT
This research attempted to confirm the applicability of the Theory on Hierarchy of Needs by Abraham Maslow on thirty (30) Filipino teachers who volunteered to be the respondents of the study. The Maslow and the Motivation Hierarchy: Measuring Satisfaction of the Needs, a 72-item, 5-point Likert scale questionnaire that measures the five dimensions of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, namely Physiological needs satisfaction, Safety needs satisfaction, Love needs satisfaction, Esteem needs satisfaction and Self-actualization needs satisfaction was administered on the respondents. Based on the findings, the respondents’ physiological needs are somewhat satisfied, their safety needs are somewhat satisfied, their love needs are completely satisfied and their esteem needs are completely satisfied. In addition, the respondents somewhat agree that their self-actualization needs are satisfied. The married respondents have significantly higher physiological needs satisfaction. When the respondents’ levels of needs satisfaction are ranked, love needs rank first followed by esteem needs, then by safety, next is physiological and last is self-actualization. Comparing the needs satisfaction of the respondents, significant differences were found between physiological and love needs satisfaction wherein love has a higher mean, physiological and esteem needs satisfaction in which esteem has a higher mean, safety and love needs satisfaction wherein love has a higher mean, safety and esteem needs satisfaction in which esteem has a higher mean, love and self-actualization needs satisfaction wherein in love has a higher mean and esteem and self-actualization needs satisfaction in which esteem has a higher mean. Based on the foregoing, it would appear that Maslow’s proposition that the five dimensions of needs satisfaction decrease according the sequence of his theory’s hierarchy, is not the case for the respondents of the study. Furthermore, significant positive relationships were established between all possible pair-combinations of the respondents’ five dimensions of needs satisfaction. This implies that all these dimensions significantly influence each other in a positive direction.
Keywords: Abraham Maslow, Motivation, Hierarchy of Needs
INTRODUCTION
Abraham Maslow’s fame derives from his effort to develop a positive theory of motivation that would meet the prevailing theoretical requirements of his time while simultaneously remaining consistent with experimental, clinical and observational data1. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory of motivation that includes a five-tier model of human needs that is frequently represented as levels within a pyramid. Physiological needs, safety, love and belonging needs, esteem, and self-actualization are the different levels of this hierarchy and those at the bottom must be met before people can attend to the needs further up2.
During the height of COVID-19, a study was conducted to explore how the pandemic affected the satisfaction of people’s needs. Many countries declared nationwide lockdowns, which even forced the closing of the outpatient wings of large hospitals. As a consequence, patients with other mild to severe ailments were encouraged to seek teleconsultation services so they could identify the right doctor for their particular conditions. Only when those patients’ fundamental requirements, such as access to food, medications, and the internet, had been satisfied, were these other demands met3.
One article that analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown states that nearly all of Maslow’s needs were adversely affected. Restriction of access to food, increased unemployment, limited access to family and friends and self-worth was questioned due to an uncertain future4.
But as the pandemic’s global impact declines and things slowly return to normal, the applicability of Maslow’s theory may once again be reviewed. In one study, 186 college students were conveniently selected from two colleges in Metro Manila and asked to recall a satisfying incident. The next step was for them to describe how they felt the event met their specific needs. The findings showed that the respondents’ most fulfilling experiences were when their higher-level needs—self-esteem and self-actualization—were more prominent5.
With respect to the world of employment, a study was conducted to identify the underlying needs of the working population in the Philippines. Using a mixed method sequential exploratory study, four categories of needs—job-related, career-related, organization-related, and family-related—were identified through interviews and a survey of 302 employees. Based on this study, family is a factor that is not mentioned in Western ideas of work motivation. Employee involvement was highly associated with the significance and existence of each of these four characteristics6.
Applying Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to workplace settings suggests that managers have a duty to first ensure that the deficient needs are satisfied. This often refers to a secure workplace and fair pay. It also entails establishing an environment where workers can reach their maximum potential. Theoretically, failing to do so would increase employee annoyance, which might worsen performance and reduce work satisfaction7.
Another article asserts that Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can still be useful in today’s society if it is seen as a guide for balancing our numerous demands rather than as a rigid hierarchy. The study further states that everyone has different priorities and reasons for placing some needs above others8.
In attempting to predict a country’s Quality of Life, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory is used. Some confirmation was achieved utilizing a new and larger database. Results demonstrated remarkable agreement with several of Maslow’s predictions, including his sequence of need achievement. However, his theory of growth, according to which nations must reduce growth in one sector in order to boost growth in another, was refuted9.
But according to one study, Maslow’s original hierarchy of requirements won’t apply to a collectivist culture like China. It was discovered that belonging is a fundamental need. Self-esteem is disregarded and self-actualization is attained through addressing societal development needs10.
Because the Philippines is regarded as a collectivist society, whether or not Maslow’s theory is applicable to Filipinos remains a subject of some debate. In addition, the Filipino character appears to be undergoing a constant state of flux. Filipino identity, distortion and dysfunctionality, multidimensional ambivalence, dissonance, false justification and misuse, cynicism, and a reduction in moral courage are among the problems mentioned in one study on Filipino values. The study further claims that the pre-colonial, colonial, and postcolonial normative paradigms are continually competing and clashing inside the Filipino values system. Filipino values and norms are distorted, conflicted, and dysfunctional, unable to offer useful normative standards. A badly damaged social conscience is the effect of this11.
Filipino teachers were among the hardest hit professions during the pandemic12. Despite this, many still pursue careers in education. A study was conducted involving 31 young Filipino teachers (aged 21 to 30). They were asked to write narratives explaining their motivation for teaching. The stories were carefully examined to identify themes and key points. Ultimately, ten key themes emerged to summarize the motivations for young instructors’ involvement in the classroom. According to the young Filipino educators, their teaching aims include bringing about positive change, preparing students for life, inspiring others, promoting values, transforming lives, teaching out of passion, raising the bar for educational excellence, resolving social issues, imparting knowledge and skills and enabling others’ dreams13.
Another study looked into the motivations of Filipino preservice teachers to enroll in teacher education and connected these motivations to demographic traits. Eight reasons for entering the teaching profession were identified by a factor analysis of the replies from Philippine teacher education institutions. These reasons are idealistic, migratory, developmental, employment security and stability, supremacy, liberating, altruistic, and perpetual14.
In view of the foregoing, this study explored the applicability of Maslow’s Theory of Motivation on Filipino teachers and whether or not his assertion that the hierarchy principle may be typically observed empirically in terms of rising percentages of non-satisfaction as one moves up the hierarchy1 is true.
Specifically, this study addressed the following research questions:
1. What are the respondents’ levels of satisfaction with respect to
- Physiological needs;
- Safety needs;
- Love needs;
- Esteem needs; and
- Self-actualization?
2. Is there a significant difference among the respondents’ levels of satisfaction with respect to
- Physiological needs;
- Safety needs;
- Love needs;
- Esteem needs; and
- Self-actualization?
3. Are there significant relationships between the respondents’ levels of satisfaction with respect to
- Physiological needs;
- Safety needs;
- Love needs;
- Esteem needs; and
- Self-actualization?
4. Do the respondents’ levels of needs satisfaction decrease according to the sequence of the hierarchy as proposed by Maslow’s Theory?
METHODOLOGY
Thirty (30) Filipino teachers volunteered to be the respondents of this study. Six (6) of them were males while twenty-three (23) were females. Their ages ranged between 24 to 50 with a mean age of 33. Thirteen (13) worked in private schools while seventeen (17) were employed in government schools. Fourteen (14) were single while sixteen (16) were married. They were asked to answer the Maslow and the Motivation Hierarchy: Measuring Satisfaction of the Needs instrument, a 72-item, 5-point Likert scale questionnaire that measures the five dimensions of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, namely Physiological needs satisfaction (15 items), Safety needs satisfaction (15 items), Love needs satisfaction (15 items), Esteem needs satisfaction (15 items) and Self-actualization needs satisfaction (12 items). The measures were developed based on their construct and content validity, which were examined using confirmatory factor analysis and the known-groups technique of validity evaluation. The scales were also evaluated for their ability to predict outcomes; specifically, they were compared to the theoretical hierarchy and each need was found to be a statistical predictor of the need that was directly above it15.
RESULTS
The following are the data gathered and the statistical treatments applied, which are presented in tabular form.
Table 1: Scale of Interpretation for Item Weighted Means of Responses to Physiological, Safety, Love and Esteem Needs Satisfaction
Weighted mean range | Verbal Interpretation |
1.000 – 1.800 | Completely unsatisfied |
1.801 – 2.600 | Somewhat unsatisfied |
2.601 – 3.400 | Neither unsatisfied nor satisfied |
3.401 – 4.200 | Somewhat satisfied |
4.201 – 5.000 | Completely satisfied |
Table 2: Respondents’ Item Weighted Means for Physiological Needs Satisfaction
Item | Item Weighted Mean
Single N=14 |
Item Weighted Mean
Married N=16 |
Item Weighted Mean
Combined N=30 |
Combined Item Weighted Mean
Verbal Interpretation |
1. the quality of the food I eat every day | 4.714 | 4.500 | 4.600 | Completely satisfied |
2. the amount of food that I eat every day | 4.786 | 4.625 | 4.700 | Completely satisfied |
3. the quality of the water I drink every day | 4.715 | 4.875 | 4.800 | Completely satisfied |
4. the amount of water that I drink every day | 4.429 | 4.688 | 4.567 | Completely satisfied |
5. the amount of heating I have when the weather is cold | 4.286 | 4.625 | 4.467 | Completely satisfied |
6. the amount of cooling I have when the weather is hot | 4.143 | 4.625 | 4.400 | Completely satisfied |
7. the quality of the air I breathe every day | 4.286 | 4.688 | 4.500 | Completely satisfied |
8. the amount of sex I am having | 3.500 | 4.313 | 3.933 | Somewhat satisfied |
9. the quality of sex I am having | 3.571 | 4.438 | 4.033 | Somewhat satisfied |
10. every aspect of my physical health | 3.714 | 4.313 | 4.033 | Somewhat satisfied |
11. the amount of sleep I get to feel thoroughly relaxed | 3.357 | 4.000 | 3.700 | Somewhat satisfied |
12. the quality of sleep I get to feel fully refreshed | 3.571 | 3.938 | 3.767 | Somewhat satisfied |
13. the amount of exercise I get to keep me healthy | 3.143 | 3.500 | 3.333 | Neither unsatisfied nor satisfied |
14. the type of exercise I get to keep my body toned | 3.143 | 3.500 | 3.333 | Neither unsatisfied nor satisfied |
15. my overall physical strength | 3.571 | 4.125 | 3.867 | Somewhat satisfied |
Total Item Weighted Means | 3.929 | 4.317 | 4.136 | Somewhat satisfied |
Table 3: Respondents’ Item Weighted Means for Safety Needs Satisfaction
Item | Item Weighted Mean
Single N=14 |
Item Weighted Mean
Married N=16 |
Item Weighted Mean
Combined N=30 |
Combined Item Weighted Mean
Verbal Interpretation |
16. the quality of the house/apartment I am living in | 4.571 | 4.688 | 4.633 | Completely satisfied |
17. the space available for me in my house/apartment | 4.357 | 4.688 | 4.533 | Completely satisfied |
18. How secure I am in my house/apartment | 4.714 | 4.688 | 4.700 | Completely satisfied |
19. How safe I am from being physically attacked | 4.643 | 4.563 | 4.600 | Completely satisfied |
20. the safety of my neighborhood | 4.286 | 4.438 | 4.367 | Completely satisfied |
21. How safe I am from catching any diseases | 3.929 | 4.375 | 4.167 | Completely satisfied |
22. How secure I am from disasters | 4.000 | 4.375 | 4.200 | Somewhat satisfied |
23. How protected I am from dangers in the environment | 4.214 | 4.500 | 4.367 | Completely satisfied |
24. the protection that the police provide for me | 3.714 | 4.188 | 3.967 | Somewhat satisfied |
25. the protection that the law provides for me | 3.571 | 4.250 | 3.933 | Somewhat satisfied |
26. How safe I am from destructive terrorist acts | 4.143 | 4.188 | 4.167 | Somewhat satisfied |
27. How safe I am from acts of war | 4.071 | 4.188 | 4.133 | Somewhat satisfied |
28. My financial security | 3.571 | 4.063 | 3.833 | Somewhat satisfied |
29. My ability to get money whenever I need it | 3.429 | 4.000 | 3.733 | Somewhat satisfied |
30. the money I reserved for me to have a secure retirement | 3.071 | 3.938 | 3.533 | Somewhat satisfied |
Total Item Weighted Means | 4.019 | 4.342 | 4.191 | Somewhat satisfied |
Table 4: Respondents’ Item Weighted Means for Love Needs Satisfaction
Item | Item Weighted Mean
Single N=14 |
Item Weighted Mean
Married N=16 |
Item Weighted Mean
Combined N=30 |
Combined Item Weighted Mean
Verbal Interpretation |
31. the amount of rapport I share with the people I know | 4.357 | 4.500 | 4.433 | Completely satisfied |
32. the quality of the relationships I have with my friends | 4.500 | 4.625 | 4.567 | Completely satisfied |
33. the love I receive from my spouse/partner | 4.143 | 4.688 | 4.433 | Completely satisfied |
34. the intimacy I share with my immediate family | 4.357 | 4.563 | 4.467 | Completely satisfied |
35. the camaraderie I share with my colleagues | 4.357 | 4.250 | 4.300 | Completely satisfied |
36. how much I am welcomed in my community | 4.286 | 4.438 | 4.367 | Completely satisfied |
37. the warmth I share with my relatives | 3.857 | 4.438 | 4.167 | Somewhat satisfied |
38. the emotional support I receive from my friends | 4.571 | 4.375 | 4.467 | Completely satisfied |
39. the feeling of togetherness I have with my family | 4.143 | 4.750 | 4.467 | Completely satisfied |
40. how much I am cared for by my spouse/partner | 4.071 | 4.688 | 4.400 | Completely satisfied |
41. the happiness I share with my companions | 4.500 | 4.688 | 4.600 | Completely satisfied |
42. the sympathy I receive from my confidants | 4.643 | 4.500 | 4.567 | Completely satisfied |
43. the enjoyment I share with associates | 4.429 | 4.438 | 4.433 | Completely satisfied |
44. the affection shown to me by my friends | 4.500 | 4.250 | 4.367 | Completely satisfied |
45. the closeness I feel with my associates | 4.286 | 4.313 | 4.300 | Completely satisfied |
Total Item Weighted Means | 4.333 | 4.500 | 4.422 | Completely satisfied |
Table 5: Respondents’ Item Weighted Means for Esteem Needs Satisfaction
Item | Item Weighted Mean
Single N=14 |
Item Weighted Mean
Married N=16 |
Item Weighted Mean
Combined N=30 |
Combined Item Weighted Mean
Verbal Interpretation |
46. the admiration given to me by others | 4.357 | 4.250 | 4.300 | Completely satisfied |
47. the honor that many people give me | 4.286 | 4.250 | 4.267 | Completely satisfied |
48. how much other people respect me as a person | 4.286 | 4.375 | 4.333 | Completely satisfied |
49. the prestige I have in the eyes of other people | 4.143 | 4.438 | 4.300 | Completely satisfied |
50. how highly other people think of me | 4.214 | 4.313 | 4.267 | Completely satisfied |
51. the high esteem that other people have for me | 4.286 | 4.438 | 4.367 | Completely satisfied |
52. the recognition I receive from various people | 4.357 | 4.313 | 4.333 | Completely satisfied |
53. the high regard that other people have for me | 4.286 | 4.313 | 4.300 | Completely satisfied |
54. How much I like the person that I am | 4.500 | 4.500 | 4.500 | Completely satisfied |
55. How sure I am of myself | 4.214 | 4.625 | 4.433 | Completely satisfied |
56. How much respect I have for myself | 4.571 | 4.625 | 4.600 | Completely satisfied |
57. All the good qualities I have as a person | 4.214 | 4.563 | 4.400 | Completely satisfied |
58. My sense of self-worth | 4.571 | 4.625 | 4.600 | Completely satisfied |
59. the amount of esteem I have for myself | 4.357 | 4.625 | 4.500 | Completely satisfied |
60. How positive I feel about myself as a person | 4.429 | 4.625 | 4.533 | Completely satisfied |
Total Item Weighted Means | 4.338 | 4.458 | 4.402 | Completely satisfied |
Table 6: Scale of Interpretation for Item Weighted Means of Responses to Self-Actualization
Weighted mean range | Verbal Interpretation |
1.000 – 1.800 | Strongly disagree |
1.801 – 2.600 | Somewhat disagree |
2.601 – 3.400 | Neither disagree nor agree |
3.401 – 4.200 | Somewhat agree |
4.201 – 5.000 | Strongly agree |
Table 7: Respondents’ Item Weighted Means for Self-Actualization Needs Satisfaction
Item | Item Weighted Mean
Single N=14 |
Item Weighted Mean
Married N=16 |
Item Weighted Mean
Combined N=30 |
Combined Item Weighted Mean
Verbal Interpretation |
61. I am totally comfortable with all facets of my personality. | 4.143 | 4.313 | 4.233 | Strongly agree |
62. I feel that I am completely self-fulfilled. | 3.643 | 4.250 | 3.967 | Somewhat agree |
63. I am now being the person I always wanted to be. | 3.786 | 3.938 | 3.867 | Somewhat agree |
64. I am finally realizing all of my innermost desires. | 4.000 | 4.125 | 4.067 | Somewhat agree |
65. I indulge myself as much as I want. | 3.643 | 4.125 | 3.900 | Somewhat agree |
66. I am now enjoying everything I ever wanted from my life. | 3.571 | 4.188 | 3.900 | Somewhat agree |
67. I completely accept all aspects of myself. | 4.214 | 4.250 | 4.233 | Strongly agree |
68. my actions are always according to my own values. | 4.429 | 4.375 | 4.400 | Strongly agree |
69. I am living my life the way I want. | 3.714 | 4.063 | 3.900 | Somewhat agree |
70. I do the things I like to do whenever I want. | 3.500 | 3.938 | 3.733 | Somewhat agree |
71. I am actually living up to all my capabilities. | 3.929 | 4.125 | 4.033 | Somewhat agree |
72. I am living my life to the fullest. | 3.571 | 4.313 | 3.967 | Somewhat agree |
Total Item Weighted Means | 3.845 | 4.167 | 4.017 | Somewhat agree |
Table 8: Ranking of Needs Satisfaction
Ranking of the Need Satisfaction by Single Respondents
N=14 Total item weighted mean (rank) |
Ranking of the Need Satisfaction by Married Respondents
N=16 Total item weighted mean (rank) |
Ranking of the Need Satisfaction by all Respondents Combined
N=30 Total item weighted mean (rank) |
|
Physiological | 3.929 (4) | 4.317 (4) | 4.136 (4) |
Safety | 4.019 (3) | 4.342 (3) | 4.191 (3) |
Love | 4.333 (2) | 4.500 (1) | 4.422 (1) |
Esteem | 4.338 (1) | 4.458 (2) | 4.402 (2) |
Self-Actualization | 3.845 (5) | 4.167 (5) | 4.017 (5) |
Table 9: Comparison of Single and Married Responses to Physiological Needs Satisfaction
Welch’s T-test computation | ||
Group | Single | Married |
Mean | 3.92857142857 | 4.31666666675 |
SD | 0.43083245655 | 0.47919685895 |
SEM | 0.11514481739 | 0.11979921474 |
N | 14 | 16 |
t = 2.3356
df = 27
standard error of difference = 0.166
P value and statistical significance:
The two-tailed P value equals 0.0272
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Single minus Married equals -0.38809523818
95% confidence interval of this difference: From -0.72903389642 to -0.04715657994
Table 10: Comparison of Single and Married Responses to Safety Needs Satisfaction
Welch’s T-test computation | ||
Group | Single | Married |
Mean | 4.01904761907 | 4.34166666669 |
SD | 0.53743841394 | 0.47383385126 |
SEM | 0.14363645796 | 0.11845846281 |
N | 14 | 16 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 1.7328
df = 26
standard error of difference = 0.186
The two-tailed P value equals 0.0950
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be not quite statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Single minus Married equals -0.32261904762
95% confidence interval of this difference: From -0.70532200471 to 0.06008390947
Table 11: Comparison of Single and Married Responses to Love Needs Satisfaction
Welch’s T-test computation | ||
Group | Single | Married |
Mean | 4.33333333336 | 4.50000000000 |
SD | 0.44912069839 | 0.47077556173 |
SEM | 0.12003255562 | 0.11769389043 |
N | 14 | 16 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 0.9914
df = 27
standard error of difference = 0.168
The two-tailed P value equals 0.3303
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be not statistically significant. Confidence interval:
The mean of Single minus Married equals -0.1666666666495% confidence interval of this difference: From -0.51159203477 to 0.17825870148
Table 12: Comparison of Single and Married Responses to Esteem Needs Satisfaction
Welch’s T-test computation | ||
Group | Single | Married |
Mean | 4.33809523807 | 4.45833333325 |
SD | 0.56172158179 | 0.41231056257 |
SEM | 0.15012640756 | 0.10307764064 |
N | 14 | 16 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 0.6603
df = 23
standard error of difference = 0.182
The two-tailed P value equals 0.5156
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be not statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Single minus Married equals -0.12023809518
95% confidence interval of this difference: From -0.49695498898 to 0.25647879862
Table 13: Comparison of Single and Married Responses to Self-Actualization
Welch’s T-test computation | ||
Group | Single | Married |
Mean | 3.84523809536 | 4.16666666669 |
SD | 0.73150788450 | 0.39086797999 |
SEM | 0.19550370568 | 0.09771699500 |
N | 14 | 16 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 1.4706
df = 19
standard error of difference = 0.219
The two-tailed P value equals 0.1578
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be not statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Single minus Married equals -0.32142857133
95% confidence interval of this difference: From -0.77888886280 to 0.13603172014
Table 14: Analysis of Variance between Responses to All Five Needs Satisfaction
Summary of Data | ||||||||||
Treatments | ||||||||||
Physiological | Safety | Love | Esteem | Self
Actualization |
Total | |||||
N | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 150 | ||||
∑X | 124.0667 | 125.7333 | 132.6667 | 132.0667 | 120.5 | 635.0333 | ||||
Mean | 4.1356 | 4.1911 | 4.4222 | 4.4022 | 4.0167 | 4.234 | ||||
∑X2 | 520.0667 | 534.8622 | 592.8356 | 588.1467 | 494.0278 | 2729.9389 | ||||
S.D. | 0.4907 | 0.5219 | 0.4607 | 0.4828 | 0.5878 | 0.5277 | ||||
Result Details | ||||||||||
Source | SS | df | MS | |||||||
Between-treatments | 3.6747 | 4 | 0.9187 | F = 9.21182 | ||||||
Within-treatments | 37.8153 | 145 | 0.2608 | |||||||
Error | 11.5684 | 116 | 0.0997 | |||||||
The F-ratio value is 9.21182. The p-value is < .00001. The result is significant at p < .05. |
Table 15: Comparison of Responses to Physiological and Safety Needs Satisfaction
Paired T-test computation | ||
Group | Physiological | Safety |
Mean | 4.13555560 | 4.19111113 |
SD | 0.49067422 | 0.52192787 |
SEM | 0.08958445 | 0.09529056 |
N | 30 | 30 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 0.6574
df = 29
standard error of difference = 0.085
The two-tailed P value equals 0.5161
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be not statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Physiological minus Safety equals -0.05555553
95% confidence interval of this difference: From -0.22840611 to 0.11729505
Table 16: Comparison of Responses to Physiological and Love Needs Satisfaction
Paired T-test computation | ||
Group | Physiological | Love |
Mean | 4.13555560 | 4.42222223 |
SD | 0.49067422 | 0.46066192 |
SEM | 0.08958445 | 0.08410497 |
N | 30 | 30 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 5.7047
df = 29
standard error of difference = 0.050
The two-tailed P value is less than 0.0001
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be extremely statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Physiological minus Love equals -0.28666663
95% confidence interval of this difference: From -0.38944147 to -0.18389180
Table 17: Comparison of Responses to Physiological and Esteem Needs Satisfaction
Paired T-test computation | ||
Group | Physiological | Esteem |
Mean | 4.13555560 | 4.40222217 |
SD | 0.49067422 | 0.48280255 |
SEM | 0.08958445 | 0.08814728 |
N | 30 | 30 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 3.3668
df = 29
standard error of difference = 0.079
The two-tailed P value equals 0.0022
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be very statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Physiological minus Esteem equals -0.26666657
95% confidence interval of this difference: From -0.42865743 to -0.10467570
Table 18: Comparison of Responses to Physiological Needs and Self-Actualization Needs Satisfaction
Paired T-test computation | ||
Group | Physiological | Self-Actualization |
Mean | 4.13555560 | 4.01666673 |
SD | 0.49067422 | 0.58779083 |
SEM | 0.08958445 | 0.10731543 |
N | 30 | 30 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 1.3669
df = 29
standard error of difference = 0.087
The two-tailed P value equals 0.1822
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be not statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Physiological minus Self Actualization equals 0.11888887
95% confidence interval of this difference: From -0.05899871 to 0.29677645
Table 19: Comparison of Responses to Safety and Love Needs Satisfaction
Paired T-test computation | ||
Group | Safety | Love |
Mean | 4.19111113 | 4.42222223 |
SD | 0.52192787 | 0.46066192 |
SEM | 0.09529056 | 0.08410497 |
N | 30 | 30 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 2.6913
df = 29
standard error of difference = 0.086
P value and statistical significance:
The two-tailed P value equals 0.0117
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Safety minus Love equals -0.23111110
95% confidence interval of this difference: From -0.40673952 to -0.05548268
Table 20: Comparison of Responses to Safety and Esteem Needs Satisfaction
Paired T-test computation | ||
Group | Safety | Esteem |
Mean | 4.19111113 | 4.40222217 |
SD | 0.52192787 | 0.48280255 |
SEM | 0.09529056 | 0.08814728 |
N | 30 | 30 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 2.2560
df = 29
standard error of difference = 0.094
The two-tailed P value equals 0.0318
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Safety minus Esteem equals -0.21111103
95% confidence interval of this difference: From -0.40250043 to -0.01972164
Table 21: Comparison of Responses to Safety Needs and Self-Actualization Needs Satisfaction
Paired T-test computation | ||
Group | Safety | Self-Actualization |
Mean | 4.19111113 | 4.01666673 |
SD | 0.52192787 | 0.58779083 |
SEM | 0.09529056 | 0.10731543 |
N | 30 | 30 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 1.8006
df = 29
standard error of difference = 0.097
The two-tailed P value equals 0.0822
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be not quite statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Safety minus Self Actualization equals 0.17444440
95% confidence interval of this difference: From -0.02370210 to 0.37259090
Table 22: Comparison of Responses to Love and Esteem Needs Satisfaction
Paired T-test computation | ||
Group | Love | Esteem |
Mean | 4.42222223 | 4.40222217 |
SD | 0.46066192 | 0.48280255 |
SEM | 0.08410497 | 0.08814728 |
N | 30 | 30 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 0.3172
df = 29
standard error of difference = 0.063
The two-tailed P value equals 0.7534
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be not statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Love minus Esteem equals 0.02000007
95% confidence interval of this difference: From -0.10896285 to 0.14896298
Table 23: Comparison of Responses to Love Needs and Self-Actualization Needs Satisfaction
Paired T-test computation | ||
Group | Love | Self-Actualization |
Mean | 4.42222223 | 4.01666673 |
SD | 0.46066192 | 0.58779083 |
SEM | 0.08410497 | 0.10731543 |
N | 30 | 30 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 4.9312
df = 29
standard error of difference = 0.082
The two-tailed P value is less than 0.0001
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be extremely statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Love minus Self Actualization equals 0.40555550
95% confidence interval of this difference: From 0.23734925 to 0.57376175
Table 24: Comparison of Responses to Esteem Needs and Self-Actualization Needs Satisfaction
Paired T-test computation | ||
Group | Esteem | Self-Actualization |
Mean | 4.40222217 | 4.01666673 |
SD | 0.48280255 | 0.58779083 |
SEM | 0.08814728 | 0.10731543 |
N | 30 | 30 |
Intermediate values used in calculations:
t = 4.7026
df = 29
standard error of difference = 0.082
The two-tailed P value is less than 0.0001
By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be extremely statistically significant.
Confidence interval:
The mean of Esteem minus Self Actualization equals 0.38555543
95% confidence interval of this difference: From 0.21787084 to 0.55324003
Table 25: Summary of Significant Differences between Respondents’ Needs Satisfaction
Physiological | Safety | Love | Esteem | Self-Actualization | |
Physiological | Not applicable | None | Extremely statistically significant | Very statistically significant | None |
Love has higher mean | Esteem has higher mean | ||||
Love | Extremely statistically significant | Statistically significant | Not applicable | None | Extremely statistically significant |
Love has higher mean | Love has higher mean | Love has higher mean | |||
Self-Actualization | None | None | Extremely statistically significant | Extremely statistically significant | Not applicable |
Love has higher mean | Esteem has higher mean | ||||
Safety | None | Not applicable | Statistically significant | Statistically significant | None |
Love has higher mean | Esteem has higher mean | ||||
Esteem | Very statistically significant | Statistically significant | None | Not applicable | Extremely statistically significant |
Esteem has higher mean | Esteem has higher mean | Esteem has higher mean |
Table 26: Relationship between Responses to Physiological and Safety Needs Satisfaction
Pearson r computation | |
X Values
∑ = 124.067 Mean = 4.136 ∑(X – Mx)2 = SSx = 6.982 Y Values ∑ = 125.733 Mean = 4.191 ∑(Y – My)2 = SSy = 7.9 |
X and Y Combined
N = 30 ∑(X – Mx)(Y – My) = 4.334 R Calculation r = ∑((X – My)(Y – Mx)) / √((SSx)(SSy)) r = 4.334 / √((6.982)(7.9)) = 0.5836 Meta Numerics (cross-check) r = 0.5836 |
The P-Value is .000711. The result is significant at p < .05. |
Table 27: Relationship between Responses to Physiological and Love Needs Satisfaction
Pearson r computation | |
X Values
∑ = 124.067 Mean = 4.136 ∑(X – Mx)2 = SSx = 6.982 Y Values ∑ = 132.667 Mean = 4.422 ∑(Y – My)2 = SSy = 6.154 |
X and Y Combined
N = 30 ∑(X – Mx)(Y – My) = 5.47 R Calculation r = ∑((X – My)(Y – Mx)) / √((SSx)(SSy)) r = 5.47 / √((6.982)(6.154)) = 0.8344 Meta Numerics (cross-check) r = 0.8344 |
The P-Value is < .00001. The result is significant at p < .05. |
Table 28: Relationship between Responses to Physiological Esteem Needs Satisfaction
Pearson r computation | |
X Values
∑ = 124.067 Mean = 4.136 ∑(X – Mx)2 = SSx = 6.982 Y Values ∑ = 132.067 Mean = 4.402 ∑(Y – My)2 = SSy = 6.76 |
X and Y Combined
N = 30 ∑(X – Mx)(Y – My) = 4.142 R Calculation r = ∑((X – My)(Y – Mx)) / √((SSx)(SSy)) r = 4.142 / √((6.982)(6.76)) = 0.6029 Meta Numerics (cross-check) r = 0.6029 |
The P-Value is .000422. The result is significant at p < .05. |
Table 29: Relationship between Responses to Physiological and Self-Actualization Needs Satisfaction
Pearson r computation | |
X Values
∑ = 124.067 Mean = 4.136 ∑(X – Mx)2 = SSx = 6.982 Y Values ∑ = 120.5 Mean = 4.017 ∑(Y – My)2 = SSy = 10.019 |
X and Y Combined
N = 30 ∑(X – Mx)(Y – My) = 5.21 R Calculation r = ∑((X – My)(Y – Mx)) / √((SSx)(SSy)) r = 5.21 / √((6.982)(10.019)) = 0.6229 Meta Numerics (cross-check) r = 0.6229 |
The P-Value is .000237. The result is significant at p < .05. |
Table 30: Relationship between Responses to Safety and Love Needs Satisfaction
Pearson r computation | |
X Values
∑ = 125.733 Mean = 4.191 ∑(X – Mx)2 = SSx = 7.9 Y Values ∑ = 132.667 Mean = 4.422 ∑(Y – My)2 = SSy = 6.154 |
X and Y Combined
N = 30 ∑(X – Mx)(Y – My) = 3.819 R Calculation r = ∑((X – My)(Y – Mx)) / √((SSx)(SSy)) r = 3.819 / √((7.9)(6.154)) = 0.5478 Meta Numerics (cross-check) r = 0.5478 |
The P-Value is .001727. The result is significant at p < .05. |
Table 31: Relationship between Responses to Safety and Esteem Needs Satisfaction
Pearson r computation | |
X Values
∑ = 125.733 Mean = 4.191 ∑(X – Mx)2 = SSx = 7.9 Y Values ∑ = 132.067 Mean = 4.402 ∑(Y – My)2 = SSy = 6.76 |
X and Y Combined
N = 30 ∑(X – Mx)(Y – My) = 3.521 R Calculation r = ∑((X – My)(Y – Mx)) / √((SSx)(SSy)) r = 3.521 / √((7.9)(6.76)) = 0.4818 Meta Numerics (cross-check) r = 0.4818 |
The P-Value is .00702. The result is significant at p < .05. |
Table 32: Relationship between Responses to Safety and Self-Actualization Needs Satisfaction
Pearson r computation | |
X Values
∑ = 125.733 Mean = 4.191 ∑(X – Mx)2 = SSx = 7.9 Y Values ∑ = 120.5 Mean = 4.017 ∑(Y – My)2 = SSy = 10.019 |
X and Y Combined
N = 30 ∑(X – Mx)(Y – My) = 4.877 R Calculation r = ∑((X – My)(Y – Mx)) / √((SSx)(SSy)) r = 4.877 / √((7.9)(10.019)) = 0.5481 Meta Numerics (cross-check) r = 0.5481 |
The P-Value is .001715. The result is significant at p < .05. |
Table 33: Relationship between Responses to Love and Esteem Needs Satisfaction
Pearson r computation | |
X Values
∑ = 132.667 Mean = 4.422 ∑(X – Mx)2 = SSx = 6.154 Y Values ∑ = 132.067 Mean = 4.402 ∑(Y – My)2 = SSy = 6.76 |
X and Y Combined
N = 30 ∑(X – Mx)(Y – My) = 4.727 R Calculation r = ∑((X – My)(Y – Mx)) / √((SSx)(SSy)) r = 4.727 / √((6.154)(6.76)) = 0.7329 Meta Numerics (cross-check) r = 0.7329 |
The P-Value is < .00001. The result is significant at p < .05. |
Table 34: Relationship between Responses to Love and Self-Actualization Needs Satisfaction
Pearson r computation | |
X Values
∑ = 132.667 Mean = 4.422 ∑(X – Mx)2 = SSx = 6.154 Y Values ∑ = 120.5 Mean = 4.017 ∑(Y – My)2 = SSy = 10.019 |
X and Y Combined
N = 30 ∑(X – Mx)(Y – My) = 5.144 R Calculation r = ∑((X – My)(Y – Mx)) / √((SSx)(SSy)) r = 5.144 / √((6.154)(10.019)) = 0.6551 Meta Numerics (cross-check) r = 0.6551 |
The P-Value is .000085. The result is significant at p < .05. |
Table 35: Relationship between Responses to Esteem and Self-Actualization Needs Satisfaction
Pearson r computation | |
X Values
∑ = 132.067 Mean = 4.402 ∑(X – Mx)2 = SSx = 6.76 Y Values ∑ = 120.5 Mean = 4.017 ∑(Y – My)2 = SSy = 10.019 |
X and Y Combined
N = 30 ∑(X – Mx)(Y – My) = 5.466 R Calculation r = ∑((X – My)(Y – Mx)) / √((SSx)(SSy)) r = 5.466 / √((6.76)(10.019)) = 0.6641 Meta Numerics (cross-check) r = 0.6641 |
The P-Value is .000063. The result is significant at p < .05. |
Table 36: Summary of Significant Relationships between Respondents’ Needs Satisfaction
Physiological | Safety | Love | Esteem | Self-Actualization | ||
Physiological | Not applicable | r = 0.5836 The P-Value is .000711 Significant |
r = 0.8344 The P-Value is < .00001 Significant |
r = 0.6029 The P-Value is .000422 Significant |
r = 0.6229 The P-Value is .000237 Significant |
|
Safety | r = 0.5836 The P-Value is .000711 Significant |
Not applicable | r = 0.5478 The P-Value is .001727 Significant |
r = 0.4818 The P-Value is .00702 Significant |
r = 0.5481 The P-Value is .001715 Significant |
|
Love | r = 0.8344 The P-Value is < .00001 Significant |
r = 0.5478 The P-Value is .001727 Significant |
Not applicable | r = 0.7329 The P-Value is < .00001 Significant |
r = 0.6551 The P-Value is .000085 Significant |
|
Esteem | r = 0.6029 The P-Value is .000422 Significant |
r = 0.4818 The P-Value is .00702 Significant |
r = 0.7329 The P-Value is < .00001 Significant |
Not applicable | r = 0.6641 The P-Value is .000063 Significant |
|
Self-Actualization | r = 0.6229 The P-Value is .000237 Significant |
r = 0.5481 The P-Value is .001715 Significant |
r = 0.6551 The P-Value is .000085 Significant |
r = 0.6641 The P-Value is .000063 Significant |
Not applicable | |
Table 37. Ranking of significant relationships between dimensions
Rank in terms of strength of the relationship | Paired Dimensions | Computed r value |
1 | Physiological and Love | 0.8344 |
2 | Love and Esteem | 0.7329 |
3 | Esteem and Self-Actualization | 0.6641 |
4 | Love and Self-Actualization | 0.6551 |
5 | Physiological and Self-Actualization | 0.6229 |
6 | Physiological and Esteem | 0.6029 |
7 | Physiological and Safety | 0.5836 |
8 | Safety and Self-Actualization | 0.5481 |
9 | Safety and Love | 0.5478 |
10 | Safety and Esteem | 0.4818 |
DISCUSSION
Tables 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 present the item weighted means for each of the five dimensions of needs satisfaction as well as their total item weighted means and their verbal interpretations. Physiological Needs Satisfaction responses are presented in Table 2. A combined total item weighted mean of 4.136 was obtained, which has a verbal interpretation of somewhat satisfied. Table 3 presents the responses to Safety Needs Satisfaction. A combined total item weighted mean of 4.191 was computed, which has a verbal interpretation of somewhat satisfied. The responses to Love Needs Satisfaction are shown in Table 4. A combined total item weighted mean of 4.422 was obtained, which has a verbal interpretation of completely satisfied. Table 5 presents the responses to Esteem Needs Satisfaction. A combined total item weighted mean of 4.402 was computed, which has a verbal interpretation of completely satisfied. The responses to Self-Actualization Needs Satisfaction are shown in Table 7. A combined total item weighted mean of 4.017 was obtained, which has a verbal interpretation of somewhat agree.
In Table 8, the ranking of the five needs satisfaction is presented for both single respondents, married respondents and for all respondents based on the total item weighted means. It is noteworthy that for single respondents, the dimension with the highest degree of satisfaction is Esteem, while for married respondents, the dimension with the highest degree is love. When combined, the dimension with the highest degree of satisfaction is love needs.
Tables 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 present the comparison of the degrees of satisfaction for the five dimensions between the single and married respondents using Welch’s t-tests. Although the total item weighted means for the married respondents are higher than that of the single respondents in all five dimensions, a significant difference was found only in the physiological needs satisfaction. And because the mean is higher for the married respondents, it can be inferred that physiological needs satisfaction is significantly higher for married respondents than for single respondents.
The analysis of variance computation of the five dimensions of Physiological needs satisfaction, Safety needs satisfaction, Love needs satisfaction, Esteem needs satisfaction and Self-actualization needs satisfaction of the respondents are presented in Table 14. The F-ratio of 9.21182 was obtained and with a p-value less than .00001, this implies that there is a significant difference among the five dimensions.
Tables 18 to 24 present the paired t-test computations between all dimensions of needs satisfaction of the respondents. The results of the paired t-tests are summarized in Table 25. No significant difference was found between the respondents’ physiological and self-actualization needs satisfaction, physiological and safety needs satisfaction, safety and self-actualization needs satisfaction, love and esteem needs satisfaction and safety and self-actualization needs satisfaction. However, significant differences were found between physiological and love needs satisfaction wherein love has a higher mean, physiological and esteem needs satisfaction in which esteem has a higher mean, safety and love needs satisfaction wherein love has a higher mean, safety and esteem needs satisfaction in which esteem has a higher mean, love and self-actualization needs satisfaction wherein in love has a higher mean and esteem and self-actualization needs satisfaction in which esteem has a higher mean.
Tables 26 to 35 present the Pearson-r computations between all dimensions of the respondents’ needs satisfaction. The results of the correlation computations are summarized in Table 36. Significant positive relationships were established between all possible pair-combinations of dimensions of needs satisfaction.
Table 37 presents the ranking of positive relationship strength between dimensions of needs satisfaction of the respondents based on the computed Pearson r values. The dimensions with the strongest positive relationship is between physiological and love (1), followed by love and esteem (2), esteem and self-actualization (3), love and self-actualization (4), physiological and self-actualization (5), physiological and esteem (6), physiological and safety (7), safety and self-actualization (8), safety and love (9) and safety and esteem (10).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the findings of this study, the respondents’ physiological needs are somewhat satisfied, their safety needs are somewhat satisfied, their love needs are completely satisfied and their esteem needs are completely satisfied. In addition, the respondents somewhat agree that their self-actualization needs are satisfied.
The married respondents have significantly higher physiological needs satisfaction.
When the respondents’ needs satisfaction are ranked, love needs rank first followed by esteem needs, then by safety, next is physiological and last is self-actualization.
Comparing the needs satisfaction of the respondents, significant differences were found between physiological and love needs satisfaction wherein love has a higher mean, physiological and esteem needs satisfaction in which esteem has a higher mean, safety and love needs satisfaction wherein love has a higher mean, safety and esteem needs satisfaction in which esteem has a higher mean, love and self-actualization needs satisfaction wherein in love has a higher mean and esteem and self-actualization needs satisfaction in which esteem has a higher mean.
Based on the foregoing findings, it would appear that Maslow’s proposition that the five dimensions of needs satisfaction decrease according the sequence of his theory’s hierarchy, is not the case for the respondents of the study.
Significant positive relationships were established between all possible pair-combinations of the respondents’ five dimensions of needs satisfaction. This implies that all these dimensions significantly influence each other in a positive direction.
Similar researches are recommended on larger samples and with respondents from other professions.
ETHICAL DECLARATION
The researcher declares that this study strictly adhered to the ethics of research. Informed consent was obtained, freedom to withdraw at any time from the study was made known to the participants, their identities were anonymized, the participants were not exposed to any physical, psychological or social harm and the results were used for research purposes only. The researcher further ensured steps to prevent bias in the interpretation of the data. Lastly, there was no conflict of interest in the conduct of the study.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author wishes to express his deepest gratitude to the respondents of this study and to the author of the Maslow and the Motivation Hierarchy: Measuring Satisfaction of the Needs instrument.
REFERENCES
- Maslow AH. A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review. 1943;50(4):370–96. doi:10.1037/h0054346
- Mcleod S. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory [Internet]. 2023. Available from: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html
- Shoib S, Amanda TW, Menon V, Ransing R, Kar SK, Ojeahere MI, et al. Is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs applicable during the COVID-19 pandemic? Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. 2022 Jan 18;44(1):98–100. doi:10.1177/02537176211060435
- Ryan, B. J., Coppola, D., Canyon, D. V, et al. (2020). COVID-19 community stabilization and sustainability framework: An Integration of the Maslow hierarchy of needs and social determinants of health. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2020.109
- Santamaria JGO. Motivating the future workforce of Philippine Organizations [Internet]. 2016. Available from: https://pmr.upd.edu.ph/index.php/pmr/article/view/208
- Ilagan, J. R. A., Hechanova, R. M., Co, T. A. C. and Pleyto, V. J. Z. “Bakit Ka Kumakayod?” Developing a Filipino Needs Theory of Motivation. Ateneo de Manila University. Philippine Journal of Psychology, 2014, 47(1), 117-143
- Singh T, Behera MP. Application of the maslow’s hierarchy of need theory: Impacts and implications on employee’s career stages. Training and Development Journal. 2016;7(2):43. doi:10.5958/2231-069x.2016.00007.x
- Ahmad Dar S, Sakthivel DrP. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is still relevant in the 21st Century. Journal of Learning and Educational Policy. 2022;(25):1–9. doi:10.55529/jlep25.1.9
- Hagerty, M.R. Testing Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: National Quality-of-Life Across Time. Social Indicators Research 46, 249–271 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006921107298
- Gambrel P, Cianci R. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Does It Apply In A Collectivist Culture [Internet]. 2003 [cited 2023 Sept 10]. Available from: https://www.proquest.com/openview/ae442f92052554df14618b5bd9104141/1?pq-origsite=gscholar
- Benitez, J. L. (2022). An Inquiry into the Problems Concerning Filipino Values and Norms. Recoletos Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 10(1), 39–50. https://doi.org/10.32871/rmrj2210.01.03
- Sevillano S. Teachers uphold quality education amid challenges [Internet]. 2022. Available from: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1185242
- Rogayan DV. Why young Filipino teachers teach? [Internet]. 2018. Available from: https://po.pnuresearchportal.org/ejournal/index.php/apherj/article/view/1028
- Hao, Arleen B.; de Guzman, Allan B. Why go into teaching? Understanding Filipino preservice teachers’ reasons for entering teacher education. KEDI Journal of Educational Policy. 2007, Vol. 4 Issue 2, p115-135. 21p.
- Taormina RJ, Gao JH. Maslow and the motivation hierarchy: Measuring satisfaction of the needs. The American Journal of Psychology. 2013;126(2):155–77. doi:10.5406/amerjpsyc.126.2.0155
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter, to get updates regarding the Call for Paper, Papers & Research.