When discussing the social conditions on the reservation with my brother Mark years ago, he explained why change on reservations is so hard to come by. He said something to the effect, when people have their basic needs met; food, shelter, a little cash to play bingo or to go shopping with, they will not care what politicians do. He pointed out how much better the living conditions on the reservation were at that time as opposed to when we were children. Now this is contrary to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which proposes when one need is met, the person naturally wants to move up to the next level.
Maslow's Hierarchy
Level One/Need One is Survival. The first level or need, is a desire to get those basic needs met that a person needs for survival. They include such things as food and water. Once these basic needs are met, people strive to reach Level Two or Need Two, which is security.
Level Two/Need Two is Security. Having a job, a spouse, and family can satisfy this need. In children, this need is met by establishing a daily routine. This, in turn, gives the children a sense of stability and security in their lives.
Level Three/Need Three is Belonging. Friends, a significant other, children, and pride in the community help meet this need.
Level Four/Need Four is (Self) Esteem. In a nutshell, this is the need to gain the respect and admiration of others, which in turn leads to respecting one's self and to feelings of worth and confidence.
Level Five/Need Five is Self-Actualization. This need is difficult to explain and even more difficult to meet. Some psychologists say this need can never be satisfied. Simply put, at this level, people feel the need to make the most of their abilities and to strive to be the best they can. Maslow wrote this about self-actualizing people:
- They embrace the facts and realities of the world (including themselves) rather than denying or avoiding them.
- They are spontaneous in their ideas and actions.
- They are creative.
- They are interested in solving problems; this often includes the problems of others. Solving these problems is often a key focus in their lives.
- They feel closeness to other people, and generally appreciate life.
- They have a system of morality that is fully internalized and independent of external authority.
- They have discernment and are able to view all things in an objective manner.
"In short, self-actualization is reaching one's fullest potential" (retrieved from the internet on December 5, 2008, http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/forum_thread.php?id=41206).
Back to my discussion with my brother ... In spite of the interest and encouragement I received regarding the Tribal Leaders Institute (TLI), I am beginning to realize how difficult it is going to be to change unethical workplace behavior. This realization reminded me of the discussion I had with Mark so many years ago. Boy, if he was right, I thought, I have my work cut out for me. Then I remembered Maslow's hierarchy and how it conflicts with Mark's view. Puzzled, I asked Dr De Mars what she thought about the conflicting views. "They are both right," she said. She went on to explain why. The gist of her explanation was increased knowledge leads to a change in attitude, which leads to a change in behavior.
After thinking about what Dr. De Mars said, I understood how "they" both could be right. Tribal members who are at Maslow's Level One and Two cannot aspire to go to Levels Three, Four, and Five without gaining some knowledge. This is where the TLI comes in. The goal of the TLI is to raise awareness of unethical actions of participants and other tribal members, and motive them to do something about it. I am confident once tribal members take my courses they will see the need to change.
