Which statement best describes Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?

• A. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
• B. McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y
• C. Situational leadership
• D. Trait theory

Answer: (A)

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs explains motivation as a ladder of needs, beginning with physiological needs and moving upward through safety, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization (with some versions adding self-transcendence). The central idea is that people are driven to satisfy the most basic unmet need first, and once that level is satisfied, attention shifts to the next level. The model is usually shown as a pyramid to illustrate this progression from bottom to top. This concept is distinct from the others listed, which refer to different theories about leadership style or personality rather than a hierarchy of human needs. Because the statement that literally names the framework—Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs—directly describes this concept, it is the best choice.