Analyse the methods managers might use to help employees satisfy their self-actualisation needs, as identified by Maslow.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2017). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [8] Level 4: Good analysis of the methods managers might use to help employees satisfy their 'self-actualisation' needs. (7-8 marks)
2. Level 3: Some analysis of the methods managers might use to help satisfy employees' 'self-actualisation' needs. (5-6 marks)
3. Level 2: Some application of the methods managers might use to help satisfy employees' 'self-actualisation' needs. (3-4 marks)
4. Level 1: Understanding of 'self-actualisation' or Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. (1-2 marks)
5. Level 0: No creditable content (0 marks)
6. Answers may include:
7. Define 'self-actualisation' – a need to feel self-fulfilled – feeling enriched and developed as a worker in an organisation – the top of Maslow's hierarchy of needs - the need to reach one's maximum potential.
8. The need to become what one is capable of becoming.
9. It is, of course, not a simple concept – it will differ as between workers and may well change over the life of a worker.
10. Identify and discuss methods that managers might use such as:
11. ∞ satisfying some of the other needs first – good salary, secure employment, rich organisation culture.
12. ∞ then providing worker development programmes – opportunity for career growth – recognise worker strengths.
13. ∞ providing work opportunities for accomplishment and recognition
14. ∞ placing employees in positions of leadership, responsibility and accountability.
15. ∞ providing challenge - give opportunity for creativity – job enrichment.
16. Candidates may well consider that this top level need in the hierarchy is very personal and may be as much a personal responsibility status factor as it is a managerial responsibility.
17. [12] Level 4: Effective evaluation of the view that the ability to motivate others is the most important quality of an effective leader. (9-12 marks)
18. Level 3: Limited evaluation of the view that the ability to motivate others is the most important quality of an effective leader. (7-8 marks)
19. Level 2: Analysis and some application of the view that the ability to motivate others is the most important quality of an effective leader. (3-6 marks)
20. Level 1: Understanding of business leadership/motivation. (1-2 marks)
21. Level 0: No creditable content. (0 marks)
22. Answers could include:
23. ∞ leadership is said to be about giving direction to a business.
24. ∞ having a vision for the business and inspiring employees to follow the direction given.
25. ∞ leadership has been defined (in one of the books on the reading list) as 'the art of motivating a group of people towards achieving a common objective'.
26. ∞ leadership thus implies an ability to motivate.
27. ∞ whether it is the most important tool of effective leadership of a business is debateable – some may argue that strategic direction and vision is more important.
28. ∞ autocratic leaders may not be too concerned about motivating staff – 'get the job done, leave the motivation to the managers and/or supervisors'
29. Strong answers should focus on leaders rather than managers.
30. Evaluative comments could discuss other leadership qualities and make a judgement about their relative importance.