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Critically evaluate Maslow's hierarchy of needs as a way of understanding employee motivation in contemporary Chinese business.
As a result of the economic and social reforms, China has experienced incredible economic growth since 1978 (Alas, 2008). But western companies meet with difficulties when managing in China. It is well-know that China is developing in its own special socialism way. Therefore, people are wondering whether Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is helpful in China. In light of China is a country which embraces collectivism, China seems not totally fit into Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in contemporary business.
There are some people supporting Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which was quoted by Hersey states "human needs arrange themselves into a hierarchy" (Gambrel&Cianci, 2003). Joseph put physiological needs, safety needs and belonging needs together as survival needs, besides he said human must satisfy all these needs to survive (Cangemi，2009). According to Joseph, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs has its validity in some levels. Chinese businessmen are certainly without exception. Before they get their targets, they also need to guarantee their basic needs. Therefore, it cannot be denied that Chinese businessmen also follow the basic needs that is put forward in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. And that is which part of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs applied in some areas. As long as you are humans, if you want to work normally, you must meet your basic physiological needs. In this aspect, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs may explain what motivates Chinese businessmen.
As a result of the economic and social reforms, China has experienced incredible economic growth since 1978 (Alas, 2008). But western companies meet with difficulties when managing in China. It is well-know that China is developing in its own special socialism way. Therefore, people are wondering whether Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is helpful in China. In light of China is a country which embraces collectivism, China seems not totally fit into Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in contemporary business.
There are some people supporting Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which was quoted by Hersey states "human needs arrange themselves into a hierarchy" (Gambrel&Cianci, 2003). Joseph put physiological needs, safety needs and belonging needs together as survival needs, besides he said human must satisfy all these needs to survive (Cangemi，2009). According to Joseph, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs has its validity in some levels. Chinese businessmen are certainly without exception. Before they get their targets, they also need to guarantee their basic needs. Therefore, it cannot be denied that Chinese businessmen also follow the basic needs that is put forward in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. And that is which part of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs applied in some areas. As long as you are humans, if you want to work normally, you must meet your basic physiological needs. In this aspect, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs may explain what motivates Chinese businessmen.