The behavioral management theory consists of theories proposed by three psychologists: Hugo Munsterberg, who advocated for equal treatment of workers and managers; Douglas McGregor, who developed Theory X and Theory Y about worker motivation; and Abraham Maslow, who created the hierarchy of needs from physiological to self-actualization needs. McGregor's Theory X viewed workers as inherently disliking work, while Theory Y saw work as natural and that workers can self-direct with the right commitments and responsibilities. Maslow's hierarchy proposed that lower level needs must be met before pursuing higher level needs such as esteem, belongingness, and self-actualization.