ERG theory

In 1969, psychologist Clayton Alderfer developed Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs by categorizing the hierarchy into his ERG theory (Existence, Relatedness and Growth).

The relatedness category is concerned with the desire for maintaining important interpersonal relationships.

The growth category is concerned with the desire for personal development.

For example, if self-esteem or self-actualization is not met then an individual will invest more effort in the relatedness category in the hopes of achieving the higher need.

[2] This theory was published originally in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Performance.

ERG theory. When needs in a category are satisfied, an individual will invest more efforts in the higher category. When needs in a category are frustrated, an individual will invest more efforts in the lower category.