CriticismClayton Paul Alderfer was a psychologist born on September 1, 1940 in Pennsylvania. He exposed Maslow's hierarchy of needs by integrating it into the model of existence, relationship and growth. He is also the proponent of the frustration regression principle. This article is a critique of Alderfer's Existence, Relationship, and Growth (ERG) model and its application in the business world today. Alderfer's ERG model provides a satisfying view of how human beings strive to satisfy their needs for existence, relationship and growth. He postulates that existential needs are satisfied by basic material things such as clothing, food, and shelter (Alderfer, 1977, p. 132). Alderfer argues that physiological and safety needs are in lower order and classifies them as existential needs. His model places Maslow's esteem and interpersonal relationships in the relationship category. On the other hand, the growth category implies higher order needs such as self-actualization needs. He is also responsible for the regression theory of frustration, which explains that if needs higher in the hierarchy are not satisfied, then an individual makes more effort to satisfy the needs that are in lower order. For example, if needs such as esteem and interpersonal relationships are not satisfied; the person will work harder to satisfy their physiological and safety needs. This is simply because lower level needs are easier to achieve. Existence NeedsThese are needs that primarily concern basic survival and are considered the lowest in order. Alderfer argues that this level of needs must be satisfied before any other needs can be thought of. At this stage all efforts are aimed at obtaining food, clothing and shelter. Lack of n... middle of paper... concern is whether or not the needs are met, and explains that these two options determine whether the individual becomes fulfilled or frustrated. Works Cited Alderfer, C. P. (1972) . Existence, correlation and growth: human needs in organizational contexts. New York, NY: Free Press. Alderfer, C. P. (1977). A critique of Salancik and Pfeffer's examination of need satisfaction theories. Administrative Science Quarterly, 22(4), 658-669. Alderfer, C. P., & Guzzo, R. A. (1979). Life experiences and the enduring strength of adults' desires in organizations. Administrative Science Quarterly, 24(3), 347-36.Miner, J.B. (2011). Organizational Behavior 6: Integrated theoretical development and the role of the unconscious. New York, NY: Sharpe Inc. Natemayer, W. E., & Hersey, P. (2011). Classics of organizational behavior (4th ed.). Illinois, IL: Waveland Press.