Academist Perceptions on the Use of Web 2.0 Tools Through Maslow's Needs Hierarchy: A Case Study

Abstract

The theory known as the ‘Maslow Hierarchy of Needs’, which was put forward by Abraham Maslow as a result of scientific studies, describes the basic requirements that guide human behaviour. In this hierarchical order, needs in five groups are physiological needs, safety needs, belonging and love needs, esteem needs and self-actualisation needs. Nowadays, it is not difficult to observe that human life has undergone a radical metamorphosis with digital transformation. With the cultural transformation triggered by digital technologies in the postmodern world, Maslow's theory has been transformed. In light of all this, in this study, based on Maslow's transforming hierarchy of needs pyramid, it is aimed to reveal academician perceptions about the use of Web 2.0 tools. The study was conducted with a case study, one of the qualitative research methods. A case study is an empirical research method used, where more than one source of evidence or data is available. The study group of the research consists of 20 academicians working in different departments of a government state university. Academist perceptions’ interview form for ‘Use of Web 2.0 tools through the needs hierarchy of Maslow, which was developed by the researcher as a data collection tool’, was used in the research. The relevant form consists of demographic and open-ended questions. As a result, it has been observed that the views obtained from academics generally meet Maslow's Digital Needs Pyramid.