Alderfers ERG Theory

proposed by Clayton P. Alderfer

in 1969 in a Psychological
Review article entitled, An
Empirical Test of A New Theory

on Human Need
adaptation of Maslows work

Key Concepts

It acknowledges that the

importance of the needs varies
for each person and as
circumstances change.

Three Core Requirements:

1.

Existence Needs

particular order and explicitly

recognizes that more than one

Include all material and physiological

need may operate at a given time

desires (e.g., food, water, air, clothing,

safety, physical love and affection).

It does not rank needs in any

Maslow's first two levels.

It suggests that individuals who

are frustrated in their attempts
to satisfy one need may regress

2.

Relatedness Needs
Encompass social and external
esteem; relationships with significant
others like family, friends, co-workers
and employers. This also means to be
recognized and feel secure as part of a

to another (frustration-regression

principle)

References:

Anonymous. (n.d.). Alderfers

group or family. Maslow's third and

ERG Theory. Retrieved from

fourth levels.

http://www.mindtools.com/page
s/article/newTMM_78.htm

3.

Growth Needs
Internal esteem and self actualization;

Retrieved from

these impel a person to make creative

http://www.valuebasedmanagem

or productive effects on himself and

ent.net/methods_alderfer_erg_th

the environment (e.g., to progress

eory.html

toward one's ideal self). Maslow's

fourth and fifth levels. This includes
desires to be creative and productive,
and to complete meaningful tasks.

Anonymous. (n.d.). ERG Theory.

Anonymous. (n.d.). Existence

Relatedness Growth (ERG)
Theory. Retrieved from
http://www.whatishumanresour

ce.com/existence-relatedness-

Flat World Education, Inc.

growth-erg-theory

Retrieved from

Bauer, T. and Erdogan, B.

(2014). Organizational Behavior.

http://catalog.flatworldknowledg
e.com/bookhub/3?e=bauerch05_s01#bauer-chab