Theories of

Motivation
Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory
What is Motivation?

Motivation is simply a word that describes 'why' a person does something; the wants
or needs that direct behavior toward a goal. For instance, motivation is what helps
you lose extra weight, or pushes you to get that promotion at work. In short,
motivation causes you to act in a way that gets you closer to your goals. Motivation
includes the biological, emotional, social, and cognitive forces that activate human
behavior.
Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory
also known as Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory
What is the Two-Factor Theory?

Frederick Herzberg’s two-factor theory says that a workplace consists of both

negative and positive factors. Some factors lead to job satisfaction of employees and
others lead to their dissatisfaction. He went to different organizations, ran multiple
surveys and experiments, and finally drew the theory.

His theory argues that there are separate sets of mutually exclusive factors in the
workplace that either cause job satisfaction or dissatisfaction. To Herzberg,
motivators ensured job satisfaction while a lack of hygiene factors spawned job
satisfaction.
What is the Two-Factor Theory?
 Psychological Factors in the Two-Factor Theory
Herzberg’s two-factor theory of motivation are
associated with the psychological needs of
employees and they find these extremely
rewarding. These factors include:
• Promotion: Employees should not feel stuck in
one job role and responsibilities over the year.
The constant growth and promotional
opportunities motivate them to perform well.
• Rewards and Recognition: Employees need to
be awarded and recognized by their senior
managers for their exceptional contribution to
work.
• Futuristic: They always need something to look
forward to. Employees should not feel myopic
and always have a higher ambition to achieve.
• Meaningfulness at work: The work itself
should be meaningful and contribute to
the growth of the organization. The senior
management should be full of energy that
it becomes contagious to people reporting
them.
• Responsibility: Employees should hold full
responsibility for their work.
Whether it’s the fault at work or exceptional
contribution, they should be held
responsible.
 Psychological Factors in the Two-Factor Theory
According to Simply Psychology, "While hygiene factors are related to 'the need to avoid
unpleasantness,” motivation factors more directly lead to job satisfaction because of “the need
of the individual for self-growth and self-actualization.'
The traditional view of job satisfaction entails that job satisfaction and job dissatisfaction exist
on the same continuum; employees who lack reasons to be satisfied with their jobs must be
dissatisfied (Robbins and Judge, 2013).
However, hygiene and motivational factors are distinct. To Herzberg, the opposite of job
satisfaction was not job dissatisfaction, but no job satisfaction. Conversely, the opposite of
job dissatisfaction is no job dissatisfaction (Kacel et al., 2005)."
Two-Factor Theory
References

• (n.d.). Theories of Motivation. Educational Psychology. Retrieved January 25,

2023, from https://edpsych.pressbooks.sunycreate.cloud/chapter/theories-of-
motivation/
• (n.d.). Motivation: Theories, Examples, Types, and How to Find It. Very Well
Mind. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-
motivation-2795378
• (n.d.). Herzberg’s Motivation Theory (Two-Factor Theory). Simply Psychology.
Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.simplypsychology.org/herzbergs-
two-factor-theory.html