Which theory describes motivation as a hierarchy that people progress through in order?

• A. McGregor's X and Y Theory
• B. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
• C. Herzberg's Hygiene Theory of Motivation
• D. Theory Z

Answer: (B)

Motivation as a progression through levels of needs is being tested here. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs posits that people are driven to satisfy basic needs first, and only after those are met do higher-level needs become the focus. The hierarchy is typically depicted as physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization, with motivation moving upward as each level is fulfilled. In practice, this means lower-level needs must be addressed before higher-level aspirations like personal growth and self-fulfillment take the lead. This framing helps explain why different incentive approaches target different levels—from ensuring security and basic comfort to fostering recognition and personal development.

The other theories describe different ideas about what motivates people but not a stepwise progression through needs: managerial assumptions about workers (X and Y), factors that cause satisfaction versus dissatisfaction (hygiene factors vs. motivators) without a strict hierarchy, or management styles emphasizing long-term structure rather than a layered needs progression. Maslow’s framework is the one that explicitly describes motivation as a hierarchy that people progress through in order.