ERG theory proposes that human motivation is driven by three core needs: existence needs related to basic material survival, relatedness needs concerning social relationships, and growth needs regarding self-improvement. These needs exist in a hierarchy that can change depending on circumstances, with existence needs becoming most important under threats to physical or economic well-being. The theory was developed by Clayton Alderfer as a simplified version of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

1. ERG THEORY
A theory of human motivationthat focuses on
three groups of needs that form a hierarchy:
existence needs
relatedness needs
growth needs
The theory suggests that these needs
change their position in the hierarchy as
circumstances change.

3. EXISTENCE NEEDS
This group of needs is concerned
with providing the basic
requirements for material
existence, such as physiological
and safety needs.
In a work context this need is
satisfied by money earned in a job
for the purchase of food, shelter,
clothing, etc.

4. RELATEDNESS NEEDS
 This group of needs focuses on the desire
to establish and maintain interpersonal
relationships with family, friends, co-workers
and employers.
 Interact with other people, receive public
recognition, and feel secure around people.
 The amount of time most people spend at
work this need is normally satisfied to some
extent by their relationships with colleagues
and managers.

5. GROWTH NEEDS
 These needs are about the fulfilment of
desires to be creative, productive and to
complete meaningful tasks.
 These needs are all about by personal
development. In a work context a person's
job, career, or profession can provide a
significant satisfaction of growth needs.

6. CONCLUSION
Clayton Alderfer extended and
simplified Maslow's Hierarchy into a
shorter set of three needs: Existence,
Relatedness and Growth (hence
'ERG'). Unlike Maslow, he did not see
these as being a hierarchy, but being
more of a continuum.