Achievement of Abraham Maslow’s Needs Hierarchy Theory among Teachers: Implications for Human Resource Management in The Secondary School System in Rivers State

Abstract

The study investigated the achievement of Abraham Maslow’s need hierarchy theory among secondary school teachers in Rivers State. A 25-item questionnaire was designed, validated and administered on a sample of 500 teachers drawn from 245 secondary schools in Rivers State. The result revealed that secondary school teachers indicated insignificant level achievement of lower and higher order needs of Abraham Maslow’s need theory which reflected in their low level of achievement of hunger, shelter, security, belongingness, friendship and affection needs; as well as poor achievement of self respect, recognition, self  actualization and potential self development. The effect of this on teacher motivation is the declining quality of teaching and learning, and unethical practices to ‘make ends meet’ among teachers. It is recommended that teachers’ remunerations be kept at par with those of their counterparts in other professions. Above all, government must muster the will power to upgrade existing facilities and work conditions in the secondary school system; this will engender greater commitment and productivity of teachers.