Frederick Herzberg (1923 - 2000) was an American psychologist who was very influential in business management. He introduced his two-factor theory which separated factors in the workplace that cause motivation by their presence or cause de-motivation by their absence. These are motivators and hygiene factors.

Herzberg is credited as having invented the concepts of job enlargement and job enrichment which are motivators. However, he proposed that in order for motivators to be effective, hygiene needs must also be met.

Hygiene Factors

Hygiene factors are things employers can put in place to prevent dissatisfaction. They are extrinsic factors which means that they do not relate to the work itself. The absence of hygiene factors can cause an employee to be demotivated but their presence alone will not cause an employee to be motivated. Examples include;

• Wage or salary

• Working conditions

• Relationship with supervisor

• Relationships with colleagues

• Company policies

• Job security

Motivators

Motivators are aspects of the job itself that can lead to worker satisfaction. These are factors that can make work more interesting, stimulating and rewarding. Thereby encouraging employees to work harder. They include;

• Recognition

• Responsibility

• Meaningful work

• Opportunities for advancement

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