Question

What is the motivation-hygiene theory, what are the hygiene factors (and what function do they serve), what are the motivation factors and how to the two types of factors interact?

Answer 1

- Herzberg's two factor theory also known as motiovation-hygeine theory was proposed in 1959 and it's applications are seen in organisations. The two factor theory assumes that for an employee to remain in an organization, is dependent on two factors which are :

1. Hygiene - These factors are essential to ensure that the employees are satisfied. For instance, an employee's salary ensures that he/ she is satisfied in the job. Similarly other factors like, working conditions, job security, relationship with colleagues and other employees, good company policies etc., also warrant an employees satisfaction in the job. Lack of any of these factors may leave an employee dissatisfied at their workplace. These factors are also called maintenance factors because these ensue that the employee stay in the company.

2. Motivation - These factors are necessary to ensure that the employees are motivated about their job. For instance, recognition of good work, important responsibilities, productive projects that the employee works on, promotion and so on are factors that ensure employee's sustained and consist interest in his/ her work and overall motivation to do better at his/ her job. This factor ensures that an employee has higher level of satisfaction. Therefore they are also called satisfiers. Lack of these motivational factors may lead to certain level of dissatisfaction but it will not propel one to leave the job.

The two factor theory of motivation speaks of how these two factors interact to either satisfy or dissatisfy an employee at work. Consider an example, where an employee has a handsome salary and good work environment along with challenging and upbeat projects to work on but lacks the upward growth and promotions. The individual may feel stagnated in his/ her life. These factors may not lead to satisfaction with one's work but it will also not lead to dissatisfaction in that employees life (the reason being good hygiene factors mentioned earlier).

Similarly, if an employee has upbeat and productive projects lined up for him/ her, can see immense growth prospects, has great position and lots of responsibilities, agrees with company policies as well but does not get paid enough, work environment seems unadjustable, he/ she may rethink about his/ her commitment to the company.