Two-Factor Theory (Motivation-Hygiene)
Herzberg · 1959 · Two-Factor
Summary
Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory argues that satisfaction and dissatisfaction at work are not opposite ends of one continuum but two distinct phenomena driven by different factor sets. Motivators (achievement, recognition, the work itself, responsibility, advancement, growth) produce satisfaction when present; their absence produces no satisfaction rather than dissatisfaction. Hygiene factors (policy, supervision, salary, working conditions, interpersonal relations) produce dissatisfaction when deficient; their adequacy produces no dissatisfaction rather than satisfaction. The theory is foundational but contested — the two-factor structure replicates inconsistently and the critical-incident methodology has been challenged. It remains influential in job-design and compensation discourse.
Canonical constructs
- construct.motivator_factors (unresolved)
- construct.hygiene_factors (unresolved)
- Job Satisfaction
- construct.job_dissatisfaction (unresolved)
Canonical relations
| From | Predicate | To | Central | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| construct.motivator_factors | predicts | construct.job_satisfaction | yes | Achievement, recognition, work itself, responsibility, advancement, growth → satisfaction. |
| construct.hygiene_factors | predicts | construct.job_dissatisfaction | yes | Company policy, supervision, salary, conditions → absence of dissatisfaction (not satisfaction itself). |
Synthesized priors (where available) live under /registry/priors/{from}/{predicate}/{to}.
Related theories
Theories sharing one or more canonical constructs with this one.
Foundational citations
Citation ids referenced (2) — not yet resolved to citation records.