Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (Ch 3., #2)

Abraham Maslow concluded that the conditions that foster individual health are often surprisingly good for the organization as well. Expanding on the text’s examples, I have seen many instances of this in corporate recruiting. It often seems the case where the companies are working very hard to sell themselves to you. They promote many benefits to working in a positive atmosphere and having the opportunity to grow. For example, Google offers extended benefits “beyond the norm”. They offer free gourmet food, on-site doctors, car services, dry cleaning, a gym, etc. These examples of rewards encourage people that the company is the best place to work. By recruiting the best individuals and providing them such a supportive environment, the company hopes to reap the rewards of the individual’s productivity (and health).

For reference, here’s Google’s introduction to their jobs page:

“Let’s work together.

Chances are you have a good idea of where you want to go in life. At Google, we’ve designed a culture that helps you get there. From our flexible, project-based approach to corporate structure to our innovative perks and benefits, we do everything we can to make sure our employees not only have great jobs, but great lives. Into being challenged? Into having fun? Want to change the world? If the answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place.”


1 comment:

Rabbit Tale 144 said...

I also feel that your slide show exemplifies the concept of "beyond the norm." Great job and how creative! By reading your blog, a person gains knowledge as well as a sense of imagination and appreciation for nature.

In a similar way, organizations set the environment for self-actualization when they are creative like Google and provide a dynamic work place that helps employees to overcome struggles such as finding lunch, finding time to run errands, and finding time to have dinner with family. Google welcomes family to the campus to join employees for dinner. Employees can then focus on work, accomplish professional goals, and be that much closer to self-actualization.