Past, Present, and Future of ERG Theory: A Literature Review
Abstract
Despite nearly six decades of scholarly inquiry, Alderfer’s (1969) Existence-Relatedness-Growth (ERG) theory has not been sufficiently synthesized in terms of its historical development and multidisciplinary applications. This structured literature review examines a body of representative studies was reviewed peer-reviewed articles published between 1969 and 2024 from Web of Science and Scopus, tracing the theory’s evolution from a revision of Maslow’s hierarchy to its applications in organisational behaviour, psychology, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Key contributions include identification of theoretical advancements, empirical validations, methodological innovations, and enduring challenges such as cross-cultural adaptability and measurement consistency. Emerging research directions involve integrating ERG theory with cross-cultural management, digital transformation, and psychological capital. The paper proposes an integrative framework to guide future studies, offering insights for both scholarly inquiry and practical intervention in increasingly complex and diverse contexts. Findings reaffirm ERG theory’s relevance, adaptability, and potential for innovation, while highlighting gaps that warrant further investigation through longitudinal, experimental, and context-sensitive approaches.
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