Implementasi Teori Maslow dalam Meningkatkan Motivasi dan Partisipasi Masyarakat Binaan YBM PLN Di Desa Riamau

Abstract

Community economic empowerment programs are an important strategy for improving the welfare of rural communities. However, their success largely depends on the motivation and participation of target beneficiaries. The Baitul Maal PLN Foundation (YBM PLN), through its Desa Cahaya Program, has implemented an economic empowerment program in Riamau Village, Wawo District, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province. During its initial implementation, the program faced challenges due to the low participation of beneficiary communities. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory in enhancing the motivation and participation of beneficiaries in the economic empowerment program. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, direct field involvement, and document analysis, and were analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that fulfilling physiological and safety needs through productive business capital assistance provided the initial foundation for community motivation. This motivation gradually developed through the fulfillment of social needs within business groups, esteem needs through recognition of business performance, and self-actualization, as reflected in the emergence of local facilitators and community self-help groups. The implementation of Maslow’s theory enhanced beneficiaries’ motivation, sense of ownership, and active participation. However, challenges remain, including limited initial economic resources, inadequate managerial capacity, and differences in individual needs. The study recommends strengthening the role of village facilitators, improving the capacity of business groups, and utilizing local social capital to sustain community motivation and participation.