Herzberg Two Factor Theory Analysis

3.2.3 Herzberg Two-Factor Theory (Motivation/Hygiene Theory)

Frederick Herzberg published the two-factor theory in Pittsburg during the late 1950s. This theory states that job satisfaction and dissatisfaction are affected by two different sets of factors which are motivation and hygiene factors. Herzberg’s two factor theory is also known as the motivation/hygiene theory. Herzberg conducted a survey in which he asked participants to spot those things that made them feel positive towards their job and those that made them feel negative. As a result he found out that what makes people happy is in what they are doing and the way they are treated is what makes them unhappy. Some of the factors causing dissatisfactions are company policies, supervisions,

These factors motivate by changing the nature or environment of the work. They challenge a person to develop their hidden talents and to fulfill their potential. For example adding up responsibility to one’s work and providing learning opportunities to an employee to work at a higher level can lead to a positive performance growth in every task a person is expected to do. Motivators are those that come from inherent feelings. Motivation factors include achievement, responsibility of job or task, recognition for achievements, advancement to higher level duties, interest in their task or job and growth. These factors don’t dissatisfy if they are not present but by giving importance to these, satisfaction level of an employee is most probably going to grow. Satisfaction is frequently affected by the motivation factors which doesn’t only leads to job satisfaction but also increases the productivity of the company as they perform well in their job. Motivation factors facilitate to increase the satisfaction, however they are not that affective on

According to Herzberg, hygiene issue cannot motivate employees but can minimize dissatisfaction if handled properly. This factor basically has the affect to de-motivate employees. This hygiene factor affects the conditions and environments of the workplace. If the hygiene factor in the area is not sufficient then the employees might not want to work or perform well enough. Hygiene factors are those that don’t cause satisfaction but if they are lacking, it causes job dissatisfaction. Hygiene factors are salaries or wages, other financial remuneration, company policies, job security, interpersonal relations, working conditions and environment. Salaries or wages must be fair to those salaries that other employees in the same industry get. The status of the person must be acknowledged and maintained. The employees should feel that their job secured in the current and upcoming economical situation. The working conditions should be comfortable, clean, and in other way safe enough. Company policies and administrative practices such as flexible hours, leave schedules, dress codes and any other related matters affecting employees should be run