4. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to Motivate Employees

Figure 4 Maslow's Hierarchy of needs

Source: (McLeod, 2018)

Maslow's hierarchy of needs was conceptualized by American psychologist Abraham Maslow in 1943. It is a psychological theory of motivation that consists of a five tier model of human needs that is frequently represented as levels within a pyramid. Prior to addressing needs higher up in the hierarchy, people must attend to needs lower down. These needs include; physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem and self-actualization (Willingham, 2023).

However, Sommers and Satel (2005) assert that Maslow's hierarchy of needs have become obsolete and are no longer regarded seriously in the field of academic psychology since they lack empirical support.

 

a)    Physiological Needs

According to Maslow, these are the basic human needs such as food, warmth, rest and water that are necessary for human survival. Meeting these fundamental needs is necessary to keep someone motivated and all other needs come thereafter (McLeod, 2018).

Annaraj (2012) claims that in Sri Lankan plantation communities, competition for water resources is a regular source of conflict and disputes. Plantation communities may effectively mitigate and manage disputes, by initiating community based water resource management projects which offer a means of resolving conflicts that may arise within these communities.

This report also found that after the gravitational water system's opening, early morning queues for water in the plantations were eliminated, allowing households to access tap lines directly into their homes. This allowed women to rest more, as they didn't have to wake up early to wait in queues (Annaraj, 2012). Hence, the government and regional plantation companies are encouraged to initiate such projects which will meet the psychological needs of the plantation industry.

In addition, wisnagalage (2020) reports that tea plantation workers have been given houses in the plantation area itself. A classic example is the new housing project carried out at Ampittiyakanda tea estate.

b)    Safety Needs

Once physiological needs are satisfied, safety needs come next. These include financial security, personal security etc. As Maslow suggested challenges to this level include; wild animals, extremes of temperature, criminals, assault and murder, etc (Willingham, 2023). It is commendable to note even during the height of Covid Pandemic, job security of the employees was safeguarded and ensured that tea plantations operated continuously whilst abiding by the Covid regulations imposed by the government declared plantation sector as an essential service (Daily News, 2020).

c)    Social Needs (Love and Sense of Belongingness)

When physiological and safety needs are satisfied, people look for social needs such as love, friendship, sense of belongingness etc. When employees have a good team spirit, build strong friendships, show care and love for their colleagues, it positively affects the productivity levels of the company as well (McLeod, 2018).

Figure 5 Thai Pongal Celebration

Source: (Tusk Travel, 2022)

Sinhala – Tamil New Year, Thai Pongal, Maha Shivaratri etc. are some key cultural events in the Sri Lankan calendar which are widely celebrated by the Tamils (Tusk Travel, 2022). In the tea plantation sector, both field and tea factory employees are granted holidays and these festivals are celebrated in the temples as well as in the respective work places, enabling team members to foster stronger relationships and friendships.

 

d)    Esteem Needs

This refers a person’s nature to seek respect, recognition, prestige, sense of accomplishment etc (Willingham, 2023). According to Lakmali et al (2022), bonuses, over time payments, recognition, promotion and career growth have significant impact on employee motivation on Sri Lanka’s tea industry whilst financial incentives receive more preference over non financial incentives amongst employees.

Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC offers its workers special incentives in order to increase their income levels. For instance, two years' worth of salary was awarded to the "Best Worker" competition winner (Sequeira, 2023).

e)    Self Actualization Needs

This refers realizing an individual's full potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth (Maslow, 1987, 64). Many stakeholders in the plantation sector of the country such as Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), Private institutions, Government and Plantation companies conduct trainings from time to time in order to empower employees, enhance their productivity etc. As such a series of trainings have been conducted by the ILO in collaboration with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of Sri Lanka with the goal of enhancing the productivity, safety and well-being of tea plantations (ILO, 2018).

References

Annaraj, D. (2012) Sri Lanka: Conflict Mitigation Through Community Based Water Resource Management. [Online] Available from: https://www.centrepeaceconflictstudies.org/wp-content/uploads/Water_Management_Tea_Plantations_Sri_Lanka_20130701.pdf [Accessed: 3 April 2024].

Daily News, (2020) SL plantation sector presses forward amid safety precautions, [Online] Available from: https://archives1.dailynews.lk/2020/04/17/finance/216620/sl-plantation-sector-presses-forward-amid-safety-precautions [Accessed: 3 April 2024].

ILO, (2018) Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Training for Workers and Managers in Tea Plantations. [Online] International Labour Organization. Available from: https://www.ilo.org/colombo/info/pub/pr/WCMS_644087/lang--en/index.htm [Accessed: 4 April 2024].

Lakmali, T., Samaraweera, G.C. and Harshana, S. (2022) Significance of Financial and Non-financial Incentives in Shaping Employee Motivation in Tea Industry: A Sri Lankan Case Study. [Online] Sri Lankan Journal of Agriculture and Ecosystems. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361829827_Significance_of_Financial_and_Non-financial_Incentives_in_Shaping_Employee_Motivation_in_Tea_Industry_A_Sri_Lankan_Case_Study/link/62c78cc93bbe636e0c49fa0d/download?_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIiwicGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIn19 [Accessed: 3 April 2024].

Maslow, A. H. (1987) Motivation and personality. 3^rd edition. Delhi: Pearson Education.

McLeod, S. (2018) Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. [Online] Simply Psychology. Available from: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html [Accessed: 2 April 2024].

Sequeira, Y. (2023) Talawakelle Tea Estates. [Online] Available from: https://lmd.lk/talawakelle-tea-estates-3/ [Accessed: 13 April 2024].

Sommers, C.H., and Satel, S. (2005) One Nation Under Therapy: How the Helping Culture Is Eroding Self-Reliance. New York: St. Martin’s Press.

Tusk Travel Team, (2022) 9 Most Famous Festivals Celebrated in Sri Lanka. [Online] Tusk Travel. Available from: https://www.tusktravel.com/blog/famous-festivals-celebrated-in-sri-lanka/ [Accessed: 3 April 2024].

Willingham, A. (2023) What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? A psychology theory, explained. [Online] CNN. Available from: https://edition.cnn.com/world/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-explained-wellness-cec/index.html [Accessed: 3 April 2024].

Wisnagalage, N. (2020) Are Ceylon Tea Plantation Workers Really Being Exploited? [Online] Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC. Available from: https://www.historyofceylontea.com/ceylon-publications/ceylon-tea-articles/are-ceylon-tea-plantation-workers-really-being-exploited.html [Accessed: 13 April 2024].