Function of Communication

1352 Words3 Pages

1. Introduction “Each of us has our own sets of needs that motivate our communication and our responses to messages. While not everyone’s priorities are identical, our needs resemble one another’s.’’ Maslow wanted to understand what inspires people. Maslow believed that people carry a set of motivation systems that are unrelated to rewards or to the unconscious desires. Maslows hierarchy of needs includes five motivational needs, that are often interpreted as the hierarchical levels that are within a pyramid. The five stage model can be divided into basic needs and growth needs. Basic needs include physiological, safety, love and esteem. And growth needs include self-actualization. The basic needs motivate people when they are not yet met. One must satisfy the lower needs in order to be able to satisfy the higher level needs. Once all these needs are satisfied, then may the individual be able to reach the highest level which is self- actualization. Example: if you are missing essentials like food or water, you do not concern yourself with needs like making friends, which is two levels above. Also you are not going to want to be creative when you are facing a medical emergency. 2. The level of the needs is as follows a) Biological and physiological needs such as air, food, water, shelter, sleep. b) Safety needs such as protection from the elements, security, and freedom from fear. c) Social needs such as the feeling of belonging, affection and love- from work, family, friends, and romantic relationships d) Esteem needs such as achievement, independence, status, reputation, self- respect, and the respect of others. e) Self- actualization needs include realizing your own personal potential, self- fulfillment and seeking personal gr... ... middle of paper ... ...nionship, and to always want to improve ourselves. Communication can mold individuals into what they become. Without communication, our human needs would not be met, and we would either not be able to survive or will not be able to lead fulfilling lives that we desire. 6. Bibliography • http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html • The Right to be Human: A Biography of Abraham Maslow Edward Hoffman, McGraw-Hill, 1999 • New Knowledge in Human Values (Ed: Abraham H. Maslow) NY: Harper & Bros, 1959. South Bend, IN:Regnery/Gateway, 1959. Chicago:H. Regnery, 1970, 1971. • http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Maslow/motivation.htm • Steinberg, S.,2007, An introduction to communication studies, Juta and Company Ltd, South Africa • http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/abraham-maslow/ • Maslow, A. Motivation and Personality (2nd ed) Harper & Row, 1970

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