Herzberg's Original Study

Herzberg's original study, known as the Two-Factor Theory, investigated what motivates employees. He asked workers to recall times when they felt exceptionally good or bad about their jobs and analyzed what factors contributed to these feelings. He found that certain elements, like achievement, recognition, and meaningful work, led to job satisfaction (motivators). Conversely, factors such as salary, company policies, and working conditions, if inadequate, caused dissatisfaction (hygiene factors). Importantly, improving hygiene factors prevents dissatisfaction but doesn’t necessarily increase satisfaction, whereas enhancing motivators boosts genuine motivation and engagement.