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Frederick Herzberg - Hygiene / Motivation Theory

This is based on analysis of the interviews of 200 engineers and accountants in the Pittsburgharea in theUSA. According to this theory, people work first and foremost in their own self-enlightened interest, for they are truly happy and mentally healthy through work accomplishment. Peoples needs are of two types:

Animal Needs (hygiene factors)

• Supervision
• Interpersonal relations
• Working conditions
• Salary

Human Needs (motivators)

• Recognition
• Work
• Responsibility
• Advancement

Unsatisfactory hygiene factors can act as de-motivators, but if satisfactory, their motivational effect is limited. The psychology of motivation is quite complex and Herzberg has exploded several myths about motivators such as:

• shorter working week;
• increasing wages;
• fringe benefits;
• sensitivity / human relations training;
• communication.

As typical examples, saying 'please' to shop-floor workers does not motivate them to work hard, and telling them about the performance of the company may even antagonize them more. Herzberg regards these also as hygiene factors, which, if satisfactory, satisfy animal needs but not human needs.