Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory

Herzberg’s two-factor theory is a theory of motivation based on job satisfaction. A satisfied employee is motivated from within to work harder. A dissatisfied worker is not self-motivated to work. Conclusion: Enriched jobs are the key to self-motivation.

 

Dissatisfiers: Factors associated with the job context or work environment

Satisfiers: Factors associated with the nature of the task itself (job content)

 Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory of Motivation

Implications of Herzberg’s Theory

Satisfaction is not the opposite of dissatisfaction. There is a need to think carefully about what motivates employees. Meaningful, interesting, and challenging (enriched) work is needed to satisfy and motivate employees.

Problems with Theory

Assumption of job performance improving with satisfaction is weakly, at best, supported. One person’s dissatisfier is another person’s satisfier.