Herzberg on Motivation | Hygiene Factors and Motivators

Professor Frederick Herzberg:

• American psychologist (1923-2000)

• Specialism in business management

• Disagreed with Taylor (Scientific Management) about the importance of financial rewards (e.g. wages)

• Much more convinced about the importance of non-financial factors

Herzberg’s Two Factors:

• Motivators: Factors that directly motivate people to work harder

  • Responsibility at work

  • Meaningful, fulfilling work

  • Achievement and recognition

• Hygiene: Factors that can de-motivate if not present but not actually motivate employees to work harder

  • Pay and other financial rewards

  • Working conditions

  • Appropriate supervision and policies

How Herzberg Would Suggest Motivating People:

1. Motivate by using Motivators

2. Ensure Hygiene factors are met

Some Possible Herzberg Motivators:

• Job Enrichment:

  • A wider variety of tasks

  • Greater complexity and challenge

  • Manage own workload

  • Greater sense of achievement

• Empowerment:

  • More responsibility and more autonomy

  • Allow employees to make decisions independently

  • Less supervision

  • Demonstrates trust