Maslow

In 1943, Abraham Maslow proposed a theory of motivation referred to as the hierarchy of needs. Levels 1-4 of the hierarchy pertain to achieving “deficit” human needs such as food, water, shelter, financial security, love, and respect. Maslow argues that when all of “deficit” needs are met, humans become motivated to pursue self-actualization (i.e., fulfillment of one’s potential), which is considered a “being” need. In the quote above, Maslow refers to achieving self-actualization through education. Certainly, your motivation to obtain a degree may come from the intrinsic motivation to fulfill your potential or to expand your knowledge in a subject that interests you. However, unless you are independently wealthy, you probably have more practical reasons for pursuing a degree. For example, you might be extrinsically motivated to obtain a degree because you know it will lead to a promotion and better pay, which would help you meet the “deficit” needs in Maslow’s hierarchy.

In this discussion, you will examine your motivations for pursuing a degree, based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and other theories of motivation. As you do so, keep in mind that human motivation is culturally bound, therefore, it can be difficult to generalize theories of motivation across cultures.

Reflect on your motives for enrolling at Walden and consider how your motives might change as you progress in your studies. Identify intrinsic and extrinsic motivations that will keep you motivated to complete your degree.

Review the resources on culture and motivation. Think about how culture affects motivation.

Identify, based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, any D-needs and B-needs that could be motivating your behavior to achieve a graduate degree. Determine whether culture plays a role in your motivation to complete your degree.

My motivation is to help incarcerated youth