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Frederick Herzberg Motivational Theory

Share this page: Share Webmail / Other Frederick Herzberg was a psychologist and a pioneer in research on motivation theory and job enrichment. His theory is still widely regarded and referenced in the field today. He was the first to show that satisfaction and dissatisfaction at work nearly always arose from different factors, and were not simply oppsing reactions to the same factors. For example: Traditional view: - Less Money = dissatisfaction - More Money = improved motivation Herzberg's theory: - Less Money = dissatisfaction - More Money = satisfaction, but not improved motivation Herzberg proposed that there are Job Satisfiers, which deal with the factors involved in doing the job, and Job Dissatisfiers, which deal with the factors which define the job context. In the above example, money would be a dissatisfier, but not a satisfier. For a graphical representation of this principle, click on the following links: Herzberg Hygiene Factors and Motivatiors Graph Herzber Rocket and Launch Pad Analogy Diagram Basically, Herzberg suggests that there are two types of needs. One type he describes as Hygene Factors (or maintenance), which involve the avoidance of pain and discomfort. These factors are not motivators. However, if these needs are not met, then they will serve to de-motivate and individual, and prevent any kind of real motivation from occurring. Some hygene factors include: - policy - relationship with supervisor - work conditions - status - salary - security - relationship with subordinates - personal life The other types of needs are Motivators which truly motivate an indidual to excel. Some examples include: - achievement - recognition - work itself - responsibility - advancement Many people are shocked and surprised to find that money is not a motivator in this model. Herzberg's research discovered that, while people will frequently list money as a motivator, the reality is that money is a maintenance need. Once the basics are met, people look for something more. Often they think of the achievement, recognition, etc. that they seek in terms of money, but simply throwing money at people will not motivate them in any kind of a long term sense. The above content is made available through: Derivative by Athivia College (2010), Original materials: © Alan Chapman/Businessballs 2003. Retrieved from www.businessballs.com/herzberg.htm 2010. Full source material at www.businessballs.com Not to be sold or published. Alan Chapman/the author(s)/Businessballs accepts no liability for any issues arising.