Society For Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional Practice Exam

What form of security would Maslow likely associate with an ideal work environment?

1. Teamwork

2. Job security

3. Recognition

4. Training

The correct answer is: Job security

Maslow would likely associate job security with an ideal work environment due to his Hierarchy of Needs theory, where safety and security are fundamental lower-level needs that must be met before individuals can progress to higher-level needs such as social belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. In the context of a workplace, job security provides employees with a sense of stability and assurance that their positions are secure, allowing them to focus on their work without the anxiety that may come from uncertainty about their employment. When employees feel secure in their jobs, they are more likely to be engaged, productive, and motivated, which contributes to an overall positive work environment. In contrast, while teamwork, recognition, and training are important aspects of a conducive work environment, they build upon the foundation of security that job stability provides. Without job security, individuals may feel threatened, distracted, and reluctant to invest fully in their roles or the organization. Thus, job security is a crucial component that supports an ideal work environment according to Maslow's framework.