In Herzberg's Two-factor Theory, which statement correctly distinguishes hygiene factors and motivators?

In Herzberg's Two-factor Theory, which statement correctly distinguishes hygiene factors and motivators?

• A. Hygiene factors have no effect on morale.
• B. Hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction; motivators drive satisfaction.
• C. Motivators prevent dissatisfaction.
• D. Hygiene factors increase satisfaction; motivators cause dissatisfaction.

Answer: (B)

In Herzberg's approach, there are two kinds of factors: hygiene factors and motivators. Hygiene factors are about the surrounding work environment—things like pay, company policies, supervision, and working conditions. Their presence keeps dissatisfaction at bay, but they don’t create extra positive motivation. Motivators, on the other hand, come from the work itself—achievement, recognition, the work’s meaning, responsibility, and opportunities for growth—and these drive real satisfaction and motivation when they are present. So the statement that hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction while motivators drive satisfaction matches the theory’s distinction. The other possibilities misstate the roles: hygiene factors aren’t powerless and do affect morale when they’re inadequate; motivators don’t prevent dissatisfaction on their own but boost positive satisfaction; and hygiene factors aren’t about increasing satisfaction, only about preventing dissatisfaction, while motivators aren’t about causing dissatisfaction.

In Herzberg's approach, there are two kinds of factors: hygiene factors and motivators. Hygiene factors are about the surrounding work environment—things like pay, company policies, supervision, and working conditions. Their presence keeps dissatisfaction at bay, but they don’t create extra positive motivation. Motivators, on the other hand, come from the work itself—achievement, recognition, the work’s meaning, responsibility, and opportunities for growth—and these drive real satisfaction and motivation when they are present.

So the statement that hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction while motivators drive satisfaction matches the theory’s distinction. The other possibilities misstate the roles: hygiene factors aren’t powerless and do affect morale when they’re inadequate; motivators don’t prevent dissatisfaction on their own but boost positive satisfaction; and hygiene factors aren’t about increasing satisfaction, only about preventing dissatisfaction, while motivators aren’t about causing dissatisfaction.