The Managerial Philosophical Meaning Of Maslow's Self-Actualization Theory

The creation of human-oriented psychology by Maslow marks the rise of "the third force". The evolution of the force not only has led to renovation on psychology but has profound impact on management, economics, sociology, philosophy and other social and humanity disciplines.The philosophical meaning of Maslow's theory is that it put forward a comparatively comprehensive theory on human nature. It centers on the nature of human and deals with issues involving human being's needs, motivation, potential ability, creative ability, the meaning and value of life. The theory of self-actualization is the typical reflection of the doctrine.Maslow's self-actualization is a value theory in essence. He keenly felt that "the loss of values is the final chronic illness of our age" and he firmly believed that the whole humankind should have a value system, "self-actualization" should be the highest goal for human to seek in his life, and self-actualization should be the common ultimate value for the humankind.By applying this value theory on management, Maslow proposed new humanistic philosophy on management, the kernel of which rests with the values of management. It holds that the purpose of management is to promote people's healthy growth. All management aims to people's self-actualization in the final analysis. This is a human-oriented concept of values on management. Its rise is a challenge and protest against the thought of instrumentalism which prevailed in the Western society. It is a revolution on the philosophy of management and doubtlessly, represents a progress.Maslow' theory has great practical significance to the renovation of management in the socialist society. In the first place, it strengthens the human-oriented management values in the socialist society. All management in the socialist society should be human-oriented and regards human as the final purpose. The adoption of human-oriented management is a revolution on the values of management. Only in the socialist society can true human-oriented management be realized.To promote human's overall development is the kernel values of the scientific socialism. Maslow's theory on the cultivation of consummate personality inspires us that to promote an overall development of a person, we must pay attention topersonality education and cultivation of healthy mentality for the purpose of an overall improvement of human's quality.Knowledge economy is human-oriented economy in the final analysis. Human resources are the major resources in the development, and the competition for talents is the focus of all competitions. Self-actualization, the psychological characteristics revealed by Maslow, gives us a foundation for personnel management and renovation. Being concerned and showing respect to people is crucial in personnel management.Maslow's theory provides a foundation for the trans-cultural study on work values. We are enlightened that in the trans-cultural management we must acknowledge the common values of human being and pay attention to the differences on values held by people from different cultural background as well. A proper treatment of people's identity and difference on values is the key for us to achieve socialist management values.