The Influence of Maslow's Humanistic Views on an Employee's Motivation to Learn

Ian Wilson, Utah Valley University
Susan R. Madsen, Utah Valley University

Abstract

Continual employee training and learning is critical to the ability of organizations to adapt to an ever changing national and international business environment. What motivates employees to learn? Abraham Maslow has had a significant impact on motivation theory, humanistic psychology, and subsequently, adult learning in the workplace. This paper will discuss the development of Maslow’s humanistic views and trace their impact on past trends in business training as well as the implications for current challenges that managers face in motivating employee learning in the workplace.