MENTAL MODEL · M2010

ERG Theory

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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Alderfer categorized needs into three levels: existence, relatedness, and growth. Needs can be pursued in a leapfrog manner, and frustration can cause regression to lower levels.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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Reduce cognitive load

ERG Theory is a humanistic needs theory proposed by Clayton Alderfer of Yale University. Based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Alderfer summarized and improved it, proposing three core human needs: Existence needs, Relatedness needs, and Growth needs, theorizing the needs people have in organizational life.

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The core differences from Maslow are twofold: ① Needs can be pursued simultaneously, not necessarily satisfying lower levels before pursuing higher ones; ② It proposes the "Frustration-Regression" principle—when higher-level needs (such as growth) are frustrated, people will more strongly regress to pursue lower-level needs (such as relatedness and existence). The mechanism is that there is bidirectional flow between needs, not a one-way ladder.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Identify which category the individual's current dominant need belongs to
Pay attention to all three categories of needs simultaneously, not just one level
When a certain category of needs is blocked, observe whether regression to lower levels occurs
Provide targeted motivation, avoiding satisfying only a single dimension.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

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Source support: Explicit

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zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/ERG%E7%90%86%E8%AE%BAZH · Explicit
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