Motivation: Freud, Maslow, Herzberg
We all have many needs at any given time. Some needs are biogenic; they arise from physiological
states of tension such as hunger, thirst, or discomfort. Other needs are psychogenic; they arise from
psychological states of tension such as the need for recognition, esteem, or belonging. A need
becomes a motive when it is aroused to a sufficient level of intensity to drive us to act.Motivation
has both direction—we select one goal over another—and intensity—we pursue the goal with
more or less vigor.
Three of the best-known theories of human motivation—those of Sigmund Freud, Abraham
Maslow, and Frederick Herzberg—carry quite different implications for consumer analysis and
marketing strategy.