The term need is a common one in human and organizational behavior, especially in the context of what a person or entity requires to function well. It’s a concept that’s widely discussed in social science, particularly in the fields of sociology and psychology. The idea of need is often contrasted with that of want, which refers to a desire or a wish that isn’t necessarily necessary for survival or success.
The word need derives from Old English nede, from Middle English ned, and from Old Norse ned (“need, urgency, necessity, compulsion, duty, errand, business”). It’s also related to the Old Norse nood and the German Niet (desire, longing, zeal, eagerness, earnest effort).
People use the term need to describe their requirements for food, water, shelter, money, education, work, etc. It’s generally considered to be a more emotional word than the Latin word for need, necessitate, or the English word requirement, which is more formal and impersonal. The verb to need also carries strong emotive connotations, whereas the noun need carries less of a sense of obligation or compulsion.
In many situations, the difference between needs and wants is obvious. It’s important to note that you can only fulfill your needs if you have the resources and abilities to do so. For example, if you don’t have the ability to buy a car or afford a mortgage, those are things that you can’t really need even if you’re desperate for them.
When discussing human needs, psychologists usually make a distinction between basic and psychological needs. While basic needs are static and don’t change much over time, wants can be quite variable. For instance, while you will always need to eat and sleep, what kind of food or bed you need may vary considerably depending on your preferences and circumstances.
A good way to think about needs is by thinking of them as the foundation of a person’s self-esteem, or a person’s internal capabilities. Individuals with more internal assets are better able to meet their own needs and those of others, and they are more likely to be able to escape poverty.
Need is a complex and varied concept, with lots of different theories about how it works and what it includes. Some theories focus on the role of society in defining and meeting needs, while others consider needs to be a fundamental part of an organism’s psychology. Still other researchers have focused on a need to feel valued and appreciated, or a need for meaning and purpose in life.
When referring to personal needs, you can usually use the indefinite article “a” or the definite article “the”. For example, you might say, “I have a need for food” or “I need a new car.” When talking about group or organisational needs, it’s typically best to stick with the definite article. For instance, you might say, “NBCU has a need for journalists with technical skills.” However, this isn’t always possible in some circumstances.