What is the focus of Alderfer's ERG theory compared to Maslow's hierarchy?

Alderfer's ERG theory emphasizes the idea that human needs can be categorized into three groups: Existence, Relatedness, and Growth. Unlike Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which suggests that individuals must satisfy lower needs before progressing to higher-level needs in a fixed order, ERG theory allows for a more flexible approach. It recognizes that individuals can pursue multiple needs simultaneously and can shift their focus among these needs based on their circumstances.

This is significant because it acknowledges that individuals do not always follow a strict sequence in fulfilling their needs; for instance, someone may prioritize the need for relatedness even when some of their existence needs have not been fully met. Therefore, the combination of needs is a central theme in Alderfer's theory, illustrating the complexity and variation in human motivation compared to the linear progression suggested by Maslow. This flexibility can better reflect real-life situations where individuals deal with various needs in a more interwoven manner rather than a strict hierarchy.