Classifying Needs
DIFFERENT KINDS OF NEEDS: 1. Some needs are definitely short term, hence easily satisfied. 2. Other needs are long term, and thus more difficult to fulfill. 3. Need levels and their degree of intensity vary greatly among individuals. 4. Need levels rarely remain fixed throughout a person’s life span. 5. Need satisfaction (fulfillment of needs) is a constantly changing, dynamic process. 6. The perception of needs is highly personal. What one individual perceives as a need may not be regarded as such by another.
There are several categories or zones for classifying needs.
BASIC OR SURVIVAL ZONE: This zone comprises the basic needs for most individuals, including needs such as air, water, food, and shelter. When evaluating these needs, it is important to think of them in a very fundamental sense and not as influenced by the personal tastes and desires of individuals. For example, a glass of water and a bottle of rare Italian wine taste quite different, yet both will quench a thirst. We tend to take these need-satisfactions for granted until they are taken from us. Under normal circumstances, needs classified within the basic or survival zone are usually well-satisfied for the average person. The perception of these needs is rather short-lived, and such needs are easily satisfied. The desire for these short-lived needs, once satisfied, will diminish only to return when the need resurfaces.
SAFETY OR SECURTIY ZONE: At a higher level are a cluster of related needs connected to our own safety and security. Within this zone, all of us have needs such as being reasonably secure in our daily job. While the majority of needs in this zone are common to all, it is interesting to note that their effect on individuals can vary widely. For example, a 45-year-old supervisor would probably be vitally interested in the organization’s pension/retirement plan, while an 18-year-old new employee might perceive the year-end bonus as far more important. The key variable is how an individual perceives a given situation, not what someone else believes to be true.
RELATIONSHIP OR EGO ZONE: It is widely accepted that needs within this zone are the most complex and are not as easily satisfied as either basic/survival or as safety/security needs. In this broad area, we find the following kinds of relationship needs that fulfill our own ego requirements. Examples of relationship needs include: --Need for a personal sense of importance. --Need for belonging and acceptance from others. --Need for achievement. --Need to be loved and cared for. --Sense of identity.
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CEO, A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.