Frederick Herzberg - Motivational Theory

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Frederick Herzberg's motivation theory is one of the content theories of motivation. These attempt to explain the factors that motivate individuals through identifying and satisfying their individual needs, desires and the aims pursued to satisfy these desires.  (cf: Maslow's Needs Hierarchy )  Frederick Herzberg studied clinical psychology in Pittsburgh, researching work-related motivation of thousands of employees. He published his findings in "The Motivation to Work" (1959).

This theory of motivation is known as a two factor theory. It is based upon the notion that motivation can be split into hygiene factors and motivation factors.  He concluded that there were two types of motivation:

Hygiene Factors which can demotivate when not present. Hygiene Factors affect the level of dissatisfaction, but are rarely quoted as creators of job satisfaction.

• supervision
• interpersonal relations
• physical working conditions
• salary

Motivation Factors which will motivate when present.  Job dissatisfaction isn't usually blamed on Motivation Factors, but they are cited as the cause of job satisfaction.

• achievement
• advancement
• recognition
• responsibility

These two separate 'needs' are the need to avoid unpleasantness and discomfort and, at the other end of the motivational scale, the need for personal development. A shortage of the factors that positively encourage employees (the motivating factors) will cause employees to focus on other, non-job related 'hygiene' factors.

Additional Resources

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Work Motivation

Biography

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