Which theory describes the ascending series of needs motivating human behavior?

The "Hierarchy of Prepotency," commonly referred to as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, effectively describes the ascending series of needs that motivate human behavior. This theory, proposed by Abraham Maslow, suggests that human beings are motivated by a series of hierarchical needs that must be satisfied in order starting from the most basic to more complex.

At the base of this pyramid are physiological needs such as food and shelter, which must be satisfied before individuals can focus on higher-level needs such as safety, love and belonging, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization. This framework illustrates how as one level of need is met, individuals become motivated to pursue the next level of needs. Such understanding is crucial in various fields, including psychology, human resources, and management, as it helps in addressing employee motivations and improving their satisfaction and productivity.

In contrast, theories such as McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y focus on assumptions about employee motivation rather than presenting a structured hierarchy of needs. Meanwhile, Herzberg's Two Factor Theory distinguishes between hygiene factors and motivators without organizing needs into an ascending sequence. Therefore, Maslow's framework stands out as the appropriate answer for describing the ascending series of motivational needs.