Which theory of management focuses on a hierarchy of goals to satisfy employee needs?

The theory that focuses on a hierarchy of goals to satisfy employee needs is Maslow's theory. Maslow proposed a hierarchical model of human motivation, often depicted as a pyramid with five levels of needs ranging from basic physiological requirements at the bottom to self-actualization at the top. His model suggests that individuals are motivated to fulfill lower-level needs before they can address higher-level needs.

In the context of management, understanding this hierarchy helps leaders and managers create an environment where employees can achieve their basic needs, such as safety and belonging, before they can reach for higher-level needs, such as esteem and self-actualization. By recognizing the varying levels of motivation among employees, managers can tailor their approaches to enhance job satisfaction and productivity.

The other theories mentioned, specifically McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y, focus on different assumptions about employee motivation and behavior rather than setting a hierarchy of needs. Similarly, Herzberg's theory differentiates between motivators and hygiene factors rather than structuring them hierarchically, and Management by Objectives (MBO) emphasizes goal-setting and performance rather than addressing the underlying needs of employees.