A need is a fundamental physical or psychological requirement for survival and quality of life. It can cover everything from food and water to love, connection, security, recognition and self-actualization. These core human needs are outlined in Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs which posits that people must fulfil their deficiency and basic needs (like physiological and safety) before they can focus on their growth and psychological needs.
In the context of business, a need can also be a requirement for success or growth. For example, a wellness entrepreneur may need to expand their client base in order to increase profits and sustain their business. Or, a company may need to invest in new equipment to grow its production capacity and satisfy customer demand.
Need and want are often confused, but there is a difference between the two. A need is usually static and doesn’t change over time (like hunger or thirst). A want can fluctuate and vary from day to day (like wanting a cheese burst pizza or a glass of cold water). Needs are generally fulfilled before wants, as fulfilling a need will provide you with the benefits you require for survival while satisfying a want may not.
There are many different types of need, but most are divided into categories based on how much they influence an individual’s behavior and decision-making. Defining what constitutes a need is complex and can vary by person, culture and situation. Typically, psychologists classify them as either deficiency and growth needs. Deficiency needs are those that must be met before individuals can move on to the more advanced, psychological growth needs of self-actualization and satisfaction.
Felt needs are personal perceptions of requirements that do not always align with established standards – like Carrie’s yearning for a NYC lifestyle, designer shoes and dresses. Similarly, comparative needs are the comparisons between services provided in different areas and between groups.
The use of the article is also key when identifying what constitutes a need. Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries explains that a countable noun must use an article when it is singular, but can be used with an uncountable noun when it is plural. For example, this school has a need for teachers.
The word ‘need’ is a Latin word, but its meaning has changed over time. The ancients would have probably interpreted it as a ‘demand’ for something essential to survival, whilst the modern definition of need is a requirement for fulfilling a desire or ambition. Needs are often expressed as wants, but it is important to distinguish between the two in terms of business and personal needs. Identifying the difference between need and want is essential for any therapist, coach or wellness entrepreneur. This helps ensure that they can focus on the right type of activities to drive results and build their business. To do this, it is helpful to consider a number of steps, such as: