Taking a Step Forward: Maslow and Christian Management

Abstract

Jim McCleskey and Larry Ruddell encourage their readers to “take a ‘step back’ and take a deeper look at what Maslow says and how Scripture contrasts with his ideas.” They rightly encourage Christians to think critically about one of the best known theories of motivation. Their basic conclusion is that Maslow’s ideas are incompatible with a biblical worldview. While this response generally agrees with their conclusions, it will also encourage readers to take a “step forward” in considering what aspects of Maslow’s ideas are redeemable as well as what a distinctly Christian view of motivation could look like.