Abstract

Inspite of the respect that Maslow's theory enjoys in the fields of organization- psychology and consume-research, there are differences of opinion on his perception value and of his theory of motivation and development. The majority of criticism is directed at Maslow's empty formula-type concept and his individualistic conception of self-realisation. Added to this, the results of selected empirical studies with regard to the measurement of needs, would appear to indicate a limitation of the value of his theory for explanation and prognosis. Although empirical evidence for the motive of self-development as the supreme need was found in a study carried out at management level, empirical evidence was not forthcoming for Maslow's five-part classification of basic needs. Varying empirical results have been found for the perception value of hierarchical structures and the sequence of needs. The criticism of Maslow's theory of a naturalistic system of values is directed basically against methodological essentialism, at Maslow's scientific concept and thus at his claim to be able, with the aid of his theory, to overcome the division between statements of what is and what should be.