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lower needs in the hierarchy were not fulfilled then these would dominate human
behaviour. Once these were satisfied, the individual would be motivated by the needs of
the next level of the hierarchy. In the motivation sequence, Maslow identified 'deficiency
or tension-reducing motives' and 'inductive or arousal-seeking motives' (Cooper et al.
1993:21), arguing that the model could be applied to work and non-work contexts.
Despite Maslow's research shaping much of the recreation and tourism demand work,
how and why he selected five basic needs remains unclear, though its universal
application in recreation and tourism appears to have a relevance with regard to
understanding how human action is related to understandable and predictable aspects of
action compared to research which argues that human behaviour is essentially irrational
and unpredictable.
Table 2.1
: Crandall's list of motivations
1
Enjoying nature, escaping from civilisation
To
get away from civilisation for a while To be
close to nature
10 Recognition, status
To show others I could do
it So others would think highly of me for doing
it
2
Escape from routine and responsibility
Change from my daily routine To get away
from the responsibilities of my everyday life
11 Social power
To have control over others To be
in a position of authority
3
Physical exercise
For the exercise To keep in
shape
12 Altruism
To help others
4
Creativity
To be creative
13 Stimulus seeking
For the excitement Because of
the risks involved
5
Relaxation
To relax physically So my mind
can slow down for a while
14 Self-actualisation (feedback, self-improvement,
ability utilisation)
Seeing the results of your
efforts Using a variety of skills and talents
6
Social contact
So I could do things with my
companions To get away from other people
15 Achievement, challenge, competition
To
develop my skills and ability Because of the
competition To learn what I am capable of
7
Meeting new people
To talk to new and varied
people To build friendships with new people
16 Killing time, avoiding boredom
To keep busy
To avoid boredom
8
Heterosexual contact
To be with people of the
opposite sex To meet people of the opposite
sex
17 Intellectual aestheticism
To use my mind To
think about my personal values
9
Family contact
To be away from the family
for a while To help bring the family together
more
Source:
Crandall (1980)
While Maslow's model is not necessarily ideal, since needs are not hierarchical in reality
because some needs may occur simultaneously, it does emphasise the development needs
of humans, with individuals striving towards personal growth. Therefore, Maslow assists
in a recreational (and tourism context) in identifying and classifying the types of needs
people have. Tillman (1974) summarised some of the broader leisure needs of individuals
within which recreational needs occur, and these may include the pursuit of
• new experiences (i.e. having an adventure)
• relaxation, escape and fantasy
