Herzberg's Two Factory Theory (Motivation Theory)

Herzberg’s two factor theory or motivation theory suggests that "motivators" and "hygiene" factors significantly influence motivation in the workplace. Motivators are factors which can push the employees to perform better such as recognition, achievement, and growth. As for hygiene factors, the absence of these will demotivate the employees; however, their presence does not motivate the employees. Examples of hygiene factors include policies, salary, supervision, and security.

Herzberg specified that there are four states that an organization can experience.

The most ideal state is the “high hygiene and high motivation” as it is characterized by the employees’ high motivation and low extent of grievances. A company with “high hygiene and low motivation state” has employees who have very few grievances but are not motivated. In “low hygiene and high motivation state”, the employees are highly motivated but they also have a number of complaints. Lastly, the worst state is having “low hygiene and low motivation” wherein the employees are not motivated and have many grievances.