Which characteristic can lower motivation according to the hierarchy of needs?

The characteristic that can lower motivation according to the hierarchy of needs is ignoring basic needs. This concept originates from Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which outlines a progression of human needs starting from the most fundamental, such as physiological needs (food, water, shelter), to higher-level needs, like esteem and self-actualization. When basic needs are not met, individuals are often unable to focus on higher-level needs, which can result in decreased motivation.

For example, if someone's basic needs, such as safety and social belonging, are not being fulfilled, they might feel anxious or preoccupied, making it difficult for them to engage fully in their work or personal development. This creates a significant barrier to motivation since they are primarily concerned with satisfying their immediate survival needs before they can think about achieving goals or pursuing their ambitions.

In contrast, high-quality feedback, encouraging freedom in the workplace, and offering adequate pay are all factors that generally contribute to higher motivation by addressing higher-level psychological and self-fulfillment needs.