Syllabus: Cambridge - International AS & A Level Business
Module: 2.2 Motivation
Lesson: 2.2.2 Human Needs

Introduction

This section of the Cambridge International AS & A Level Business syllabus focuses on human needs as a basis for motivation. Students explore how understanding what drives people can help managers improve productivity, morale, and organisational performance. For teachers, this is an opportunity to bridge business theory with psychology, embedding active learning to ensure students grasp both conceptual frameworks and their practical applications. The topic sits within the broader “Motivation” syllabus area, which is a recurring theme in exam questions that integrate other business functions.

Key Concepts

• Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: The five-level pyramid model (physiological, safety, social, esteem, self-actualisation) and its application to workplace motivation.

• Limitations of Maslow’s model: Cultural variations, overlapping needs, and criticism that progression is not always linear.

• Alternative theories: Links to Herzberg’s two-factor theory (motivators and hygiene factors) and Taylor’s scientific management approach.

• Application in management: Identifying unmet needs to tailor motivation strategies such as training, incentives, recognition, and opportunities for growth.

• Integration with organisational strategy: Aligning motivation policies with business goals, employee well-being, and retention strategies.

Real-World Relevance

When Google introduced its “20% time” policy, allowing employees to work on personal projects one day a week, it tapped into esteem and self-actualisation needs. Similarly, retail chains like John Lewis focus on esteem through employee ownership schemes, ensuring staff feel valued and connected to business success. In SMEs, meeting basic physiological and safety needs might mean ensuring predictable hours, fair pay, and safe working conditions before focusing on higher-level motivators. These examples help students see how theory guides HR policy across industries and sizes.

How It’s Assessed

In Cambridge exams, questions often require both knowledge recall and applied analysis.
Typical formats include:

• Short-answer definitions (e.g. “Define self-actualisation.”)

• Data response questions linking motivation theory to a business scenario.

• Evaluate command word essays where students must weigh up the relevance of Maslow’s theory compared to alternatives.
  Strong answers reference theory accurately, use contextual examples, and offer balanced conclusions supported by reasoning.

Enterprise Skills Integration

This topic is ideal for learn-by-doing activities. For example:

• Use Enterprise Skills Business Simulations to place students in a managerial role deciding how to motivate a fictional workforce within budget constraints.

• Group tasks where teams design a motivation package for different departments, forcing prioritisation of needs and strategic thinking.
  These exercises build decision-making, problem-solving, and commercial awareness, all while reinforcing syllabus content without extra workload for teachers.

Careers Links

Understanding human needs links directly to Gatsby Benchmarks 5 & 6, offering a bridge to real workplace practices. Relevant career paths include:

• Human Resource Management

• Organisational Development

• Leadership and Management roles across sectors

• Psychology-based roles in workplace wellbeing and training
  By discussing real employer practices, students can connect classroom theory to tangible career skills.

Teaching Notes

• Tip: Anchor each level of Maslow’s hierarchy to a concrete workplace example students can relate to.

• Common Pitfall: Students often assume progression through the hierarchy is fixed and uniform—reinforce the idea that needs can overlap or change.

• Extension Activity: Ask students to analyse a local business or part-time job experience through Maslow’s lens, identifying where needs are being met or ignored.

• Time Saver: Use pre-built case studies from Skills Hub or simulation debriefs to avoid extra prep while still delivering context-rich lessons.