Which theory posits that human needs are motivated in a hierarchical structure?

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a prominent psychological theory that establishes a framework for understanding human motivation based on a structured hierarchy of needs. According to Maslow, human needs can be organized in a pyramid, where the most basic physiological needs must be satisfied before individuals can focus on higher-level psychological needs such as safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization.

This hierarchical structure emphasizes that as lower-level needs are met, individuals are motivated to pursue higher-level needs, creating a progression through the levels of the hierarchy. For example, once a person's basic needs for food and safety are fulfilled, they may seek relationships and a sense of community, followed by pursuits of self-esteem and personal growth.

The other theories mentioned develop different frameworks for motivation. Alderfer's ERG theory condenses Maslow’s five levels into three categories (Existence, Relatedness, Growth) but lacks the strict hierarchy that characterizes Maslow's model. Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory categorizes motivational factors into hygiene and motivators rather than focusing on a hierarchy, while McClelland's Theory of Needs centers on the motivations related to achievement, affiliation, and power without a structured progression. Hence, the essence of the hierarchical approach in Mas