Final answer:
The three core groups of needs in the ERG theory, developed by Clayton Alderfer, are existence, relatedness, and growth. These needs can be pursued simultaneously, and there is a possibility of regression to a lower need level if higher ones remain unmet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three core groups of needs in the ERG theory are existence, relatedness, and growth. This theory is an adaptation of Maslow's hierarchy of needs and simplifies human needs into these three basic categories. Existence needs represent the physical and material well-being requirements that include the needs for food, shelter, and safety. Relatedness needs involve the desire for relationships with significant others, including family, friends, and co-workers, and accounts for the emotional and social aspects of human interactions. Lastly, growth needs entail the intrinsic desire for personal development and creativity, reflecting a person's need for self-actualization and self-improvement.
ERG theory asserts that unlike Maslow's hierarchy, the three needs are not strictly hierarchical and can be pursued simultaneously. Additionally, people may regress to a lower need level if their higher-level needs are unfulfilled, a process referred to as frustration-regression. This aspect of the theory suggests that an individual could focus more intensely on satisfying relatedness or existence needs if they are finding it challenging to achieve their growth needs. This model was developed by Clayton Alderfer as an effort to provide a more flexible understanding of human needs in the context of the workplace.