This article focuses on Maslow’s theory of hierarchy of needs, which has been criticized for lacking scientific evidence towards an effective municipal infrastructure management system. To ameliorate this, we contend that 21st-century management is not limited to the cardinal direction of motivation from the bottom hierarchy to the top hierarchy, as indicated by Maslow. We also argue that Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory did not take cognizance of innovations and situational advancements embedded in societal dynamism. Our argument is located within the principles of the interpretive paradigm. This paradigm enables us to analyze the deficiencies inherent in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs within the 21st-century needs assessment perspective and re-establish the necessity for the novel motivation needs theory to cater for the changing world. In doing this, we engaged conceptual analysis as a method of analyzing or making sense of perceived complex concepts towards meaning-making. We conclude that an inclusive infrastructure needs assessment must be geared towards a reformed approach of people’s satisfaction, which informs the necessity to reconstruct Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. The needs satisfaction of the populace or community should be of prime importance, in addition to ensuring that people’s satisfaction is met towards enhancing and promoting socio-economic growth and development.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; infrastructure development; needs assessment

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