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Are Startups a MVP for Maslow Hierarchy?

What’s a MVP?

MVP has features just enough to prove a value and justify continued development.

mvp minimum viable product

We have all seen this. The MVP cuts across the value hierarchy and delivers a bit of each level.

What’s Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs*?

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid.

maslow-need-hierarchy

We have all seen this. The theory stated that people are motivated to achieve certain needs, and that some needs take precedence over others. Once that level is fulfilled the next level up is what motivates us, and so on.

Startups and Maslow’s Hierarchy

One reason why startup excites us is that in one go it satisfies each of these needs. A la how the MVP cuts across the value hierarchy and delivers a bit of each level.

maslow-need-hierarchy-startup-mvp

While they may not pay a lot, the basic needs are covered. There is a strong sense of belongingness to the startup and each other. The awe and aura of being a entrepreneur boost the esteem. Finally, the opportunity to create a business, a brand, make difference is ultimate realisation of personal potential.

Conclusion

Startups represent that thin vertical slice across Maslow Hierarchy making it an MVP for it. That explains the fascination with it. This insight can be used by other orgs to create avenues for employees to have same experience with leaving to start a startup.

 

* There are bunch of criticism and changes to this theory. But this idea is applicable still 🙂

Dinker Charak

Dinker has over a decade of experience in building products across diverse domains such as Industrial Automation, Home Automation, Operating Systems, High Energy Particle Physics, Embedded Systems, Online Video Advertising, Messaging, K-12 education and Private Banking. He also founded Gungroo Software. He books '#ProMa: Product Management Tools, Methods & Some Off-the-wall Ideas' and 'The Neutrinos Are Coming and Other Stories' are available globally. He also manages adbhut.in, an Indian Sci-fi portal.

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