Hierarchical system of needs according to A. Maslow and motivation of modern students

Introduction. The article considers the modern meaning of A. Maslow’s hierarchical system of needs. Purpose setting. It is shown that this hierarchy obeys the same laws according to which all complex hierarchies exist. In particular, it is possible to develop inversions in this system, in which the lowest hierarchical level is able to acquire a dominant value. Methodology and methods of the study. The well-known Maslow’s pyramid test was used in the study. Students of Siberian State University of Railways and Novosibirsk State University were involved in this project. A total of 591 people participated in the study. Results. There were no significant differences in the structure of needs and motives among male and female respondents. It was found that social needs show significantly lower relevance than the needs for security, self-affirmation or self-actualization. Conclusion . The application of A. Maslow’s concept for motivation management requires field research, which would reveal the relevance of each class of needs in this particular contingent of subjects.