Which of the below is NOT a difference between Maslow's hierarchy of needs and ERG (Existence-Relatedness-Growth) theory?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question restatement: Identify which option is NOT a difference between Maslow's hierarchy of needs and ERG theory.

Option 1: ERG includes a 'frustration-regression' hypothesis that allows people to actually regress to a lower-order need in some situations; Maslow's does not.
- This is a recognized difference. ERG explicitly allows frustration-regression (progress on one need can backslide to a lower-order need when higher-order needs are frustrated), whereas Maslow’s model generally depicts a fixed progression from lower to higher needs. Thus, this option correctly describes a difference between the theories.

Option 2: Maslow asserts that all other needs must be met before someone can be motivated by the need for self-actualization; ERG does not agree with this assertion.
- This captures a well-known distinction. Maslow’s model places self-actualization at the top of a hierarchy that must be satisfied after lower-order needs, while ERG posits that existence, relatedness, and growth needs can be pursued concurrently. Therefore, this option also reflects a difference between the theories.

Option 3: Maslow asserts that physiological needs need to be met in order to be motivated by safety/security needs; ERG says that safety/security needs must be met in order to be motivated by physiological needs.
- Here, Maslow’s view is that physiological needs precede safety needs in the motivational sequence. ERG, however, does not maintain a strict, fixed order where safety must precede physiological motivation; ERG allows multiple needs to be active at once and does not enforce a single progression. The statement as written presents a reversal that is not an established ERG claim, making this an inaccurate description of ERG and a false contrast.

Option 4: ERG allows multiple needs to exist simultaneously; Maslow's does not.
- This is a core differentiator. ERG posits that more than one need category can be relevant at the same time, whereas Maslow’s hierarchy is typically interpreted as a sequential, stepwise progression where lower needs must be satisfied before higher ones become motivational. Thus, this option correctly describes a difference.

In summary, each option describes a contrast between the theories, with Option 3 presenting a claim about their relationship that does not accurately reflect ERG’s stance and thus is the one that does not correctly describe a genuine difference between the theories.

ORGB3201.34643.202530 Module 7 Knowledge Check

Which of the below is NOT a difference between Maslow's hierarchy of needs and ERG (Existence-Relatedness-Growth) theory?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

What do content theories of motivation examine?

Alderfer’s ERG theory differs from Maslow’s because it:

Which is a key similarity between the Motivation Theories of Alderfer and McClelland?

Content theories of motivation are primarily focused on addressing questions of:

Maslow’s hierarchy emphasizes Need while McClelland’s theory emphasizes Motivation.

According to the video Equity and Expectancy theories are similar because

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler