Abraham Maslow: Applying Philosophical Theories To Project Management

Introduction

Project Management is defined as the process and activity of planning, organizing, motivating, and controlling resources, procedures and protocols in order to achieve specific goals in scientific or daily problems. Those managing a project are subject to numerous constraints, such as scope, time, quality, and budget. There are multiple methods available to effectively deal with such constraints, many of which originated within the minds of a few noted individuals, all with various credentials, but sharing the common trait that is a deep knowledge and understanding of workers, and how they interact amongst themselves and with management.

Applying Philosophical Theories to Project Management

Maslow. Abraham Maslow developed a

Stephen Covey authored the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This book expounded on work done by other researchers in the field of project management to develop new approaches for helping individuals become more effective. These habits, proactivity, beginning with an end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win/win, seeking first to understand before being understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw. The first three habits focus on helping people attain a higher level of independence through private victories. The second three habits focus on achieving a higher level of interdependence built on a foundation of the first three habits. The last habit focuses on self-development and the improvement of one’s self (Schwalbe, 2014 p.

Maslow developed a hierarchy of needs. Herzberg focused on improving job satisfaction. McClelland theorized about life experience and its role in the workplace. McGregor and Ouchi developed a set of theories that accurately portray multiple management styles. Thamhain and Wilemon helped define methods managers could use to increase employee job satisfaction. Covey defined key habits that should be used in order to be successful. Lencioni explored the reasons that organizations so often fail, and the methods that could be employed to avert that from happening. While project management still remains an ongoing science, these individuals have helped to provide a solid foundation for years to come, for those involved in managing individuals, and for those who study for and one day hope to be in a leadership