How Management Theories Become Memes - and Why That Matters

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a familiar management theory that remains widely referenced today. Investigative research has uncovered flaws in Maslow's pyramid, including a misconception that people can only satisfy one need at a time. Maslow's true intentions were often misrepresented, leading to alterations in contemporary labels for human needs. Cultural differences also were not factored in. Disseminating the hierarchy of needs can be done by correcting these flaws, but retiring the pyramid altogether may be necessary to adapt better to modern management practices.