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Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory Theory of Motivation and Hygiene

We have Maslow’s theory, McClelland’s theory, the ERG theories, etc. These theories look at needs and the concept of motivation from different functional points of view and theorize how motivation can be effectively carried out. One such theory is Herzberg’s Theory of Motivation.

This theory also knew the Two Factor theory, or the Motivation-Hygiene theory or the Dual factor theory was developed by Frederick Herzberg an American psychologist and behavioral scientist in 1959.

This theory revolves around the proposition that two kinds of factors can be found in a workplace, one that creates job satisfaction and motivates employees and the other that causes dissatisfaction and reduces the morale and drive of employees to work.

Theory Theory of Motivation

He theorized that Job Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction are not the polar ends of the same metric but are different independent and different metrics. He stated that the opposite of satisfaction was not dissatisfaction but was a lack of satisfaction and similarly the opposite of dissatisfaction was not satisfaction but was a lack of dissatisfaction. This proposition was based on his finding that the reasons for satisfaction and the causation of dissatisfaction were different things not opposed to one another.

Frederick Herzberg published his studies, on various aspects present in a work environment that have a significant impact on employees’ motivation levels, in the book ‘The Motivation to Work’ in 1959.

Satisfaction Factors Dissatisfaction Factors
Recognition Work conditions
Achievement Salary
Growth Company policy
Responsibility Relationship with colleagues
Advancement opportunities Supervision
Sense of importance Relationship with boss
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Herzberg’s Theory of Motivation also known as the two- factor theory is based on the principle that job satisfaction and dissatisfaction act independently of each other. At any workplace, some particular factors can be attributed to job satisfaction while other factors are responsible for job dissatisfaction. These job factors were classified by Herzberg into two broad categories, Hygiene Factors, and Motivational Factors.

Factors for Satisfaction – Motivational

Motivational factors are those that deal with the metric of satisfaction and are those factors that positively act for and ensures satisfaction or motivation over a stretch of time. These factors do not deal with the metric of dissatisfaction. The motivational factors are those which allow for increased performance of the employees. These factors are more intrinsic in nature while the hygiene factors are more or less extrinsic.

He laid out 6 important factors as Motivational factors and in their order of importance, they are Achievements, Recognition, the Nature of the work, Responsibility, Advancement, and Growth. An employee if he is recognized by let’s say an employee of the year for the hard work he has put in, then that employee himself will be satisfied and will be motivated. An institution of such an award every year will make other employees strive for that and will motivate them as well.

There are numerous factors that can motivate employees as identified in this theory. The factors commonly observed that positively influence satisfaction called Motivators to include work nature, recognition to one’s achievement, advancement opportunities, responsibility, sense of importance, and inclusion in the decision-making process.

Factors for Dissatisfaction – Hygiene

Hygiene factors referred to those job factors that do not positively ensure satisfaction or motivation over a stretch of time but are those factors when absent causes dissatisfaction and lowering of morale. These factors are not positive actors allowing for increased motivation but are positive reasons why an employee should not be dissatisfied with his job. These factors are also known as Dissatisfiers or Maintenance Factors because of the fact that it dealt with the metric of dissatisfaction.

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He laid down six important hygiene factors in terms of its importance as Company Policy, Supervision, Relationship with the Boss, Work Conditions, Salary and Relationship with peers. For instance, if the business had a very rigid and unaccommodating company policy it meant dissatisfaction whereas a company policy flexible enough to give breathing space did not cause dissatisfaction. Similarly, secure work conditions meant no dissatisfaction and dangerous and unsafe ones meant dissatisfaction

There are apparently more reasons causing dissatisfaction than satisfaction. Factors commonly observed that cause dissatisfaction as per the theory and are called Hygiene include unfair company policies, relationship with supervisor, micromanagement, compensation, working conditions, peer set, job security, status, etc.

Both factors are independent of each other

It should be noted that as per the two-factor theory, the above-stated factors of satisfaction and dissatisfaction act independently and the absence of one does not lead to the presence of another. For instance, the absence of responsibility does not lead to dissatisfaction, it is just not a state of satisfaction. And the absence of unfair company policies does not lead to satisfaction, it is simply not being dissatisfied.

Combinations of Motivators and Hygiene factors

Simple combinations of Motivators and Hygiene factors can produce a useful matrix gauging motivation of an employee and subsequently success for a firm. Following is the set of those possible combinations:

  • High Motivation and High Hygiene: As sounds, it is an idyllic combination, and everyone would want to achieve this. From an organizational perspective, it results in high motivation and low complaints amongst employees.
  • High Motivation and Low Hygiene: Employees are significantly motivated but still pose numerous complaints. For instance, consider a job that is challenging and rewarding but policies and work conditions are not well accepted.
  • Low Motivation and High Hygiene: In such situations, employees are happy doing their job, earning salaries at the end of the day but lack the desire to take initiatives and mark a difference for their organization. The job is synonymous with a paycheck.
  • Low Motivation and Low Hygiene: Worst position to be in for any organization. This can be compared to a sight of failing organization reducing its presence and operations, while every employee is looking out for practically no incentive to work.
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Criticisms and Support to the Theory

The biggest criticism faced by the theory is that Motivators and Hygiene factors are described as independent and guidance that they should be measured on distinct scales. To state an example, compensation is one of the biggest factors that in today’s world can easily influence one’s satisfaction levels and turn into dissatisfaction if considered inadequate.

Moreover, the theory does not accommodate individual personalities, which can make one distinctly respond to motivators or hygiene factors.

Furthermore, there are scientists who have challenged the very basic principle of this theory, that happy and satisfied employees are more productive, while in the real world it is not necessary. It is argued that it is rather the opposite, productive workers are happier and satisfied.

On the other hand, there are studies that support the theory and its principles. A book in the name “First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently” includes results of a study by Gallup Organization, where twelve questions were prepared to demonstrate a framework to determine performing individuals and organizations. These twelve questions completely map to Herzberg’s motivation factors, while hygiene factors resulted in having little or no effect on motivating better performance.

Other Comparable Motivational Theory

Maslow’s theory of motivation: This is another renowned theory in psychology, which is widely accepted and implemented in the modern world. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs sketches a five-level pyramid model defining human needs at different levels.

Per the theory, human needs scale up from basic necessities to a stage of self-transcendence. Physiological needs sit at the bottom representing food, water, warmth, rest. A level up is Security needs, moving up to Belongingness and love needs, Esteem needs and Self-Actualization needs, in that order.

Maslow stated that rarely individuals reach the self-actualization stage since society primarily acknowledges motivation based on esteem, love and other social needs.

About Sonia Kukreja

I am a mother of a lovely kid, and an avid fan technology, computing and management related topics. I hold a degree in MBA from well known management college in India. After completing my post graduation I thought to start a website where I can share management related concepts with rest of the people.