6.4.4

Herzberg's Theory

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Herzberg's Theory on Motivation

Herzberg’s theory suggests two groups of factors which impact upon an employee’s motivation.

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Safer conditions

  • Herzberg states that a business should offer hygiene factors, such as safe working conditions, pay, relationships, and clear policies.
  • According to Herzberg, offering hygiene factors will not motivate employees but will stop them from becoming demotivated.
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Motivating factors

  • Herzberg states that a business should offer motivating factors, such as opportunities for recognition, achievement, and responsibility.
  • According to Herzberg, offering motivating factors will motivate employees.
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Advantages of Herzberg's theory

  • Herzberg’s theory offers businesses with a structured approach to try and improve employee motivation.
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Disadvantages of Herzberg's theory

  • Herzberg’s theory assumes that employees will place the same importance on each of the hygiene and motivating factors as Herzberg did and this may not apply to all staff.
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Example of Herzberg's theory

  • For example, if Tesco offers all employees hygiene factors such as safe working conditions and guaranteed pay, this will not motivate staff but will stop them being demotivated.
  • However, if Tesco offers motivating factors such as access to promoted posts and training courses, employees will be motivated.

Jump to other topics

1What is Business?

2Managers, Leadership & Decision Making

3Decision Making to Improve Marketing Performance

4Decision Making to Improve Operational Performance

5Decision Making to Improve Financial Performance

6Improving Human Resource Performance

7Analysing the Strategic Position of a Business

8Choosing Strategic Direction

9How to Pursue Strategies

10Managing Strategic Change

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