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ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Motivating individuals and teams

A company introduces a pleasant canteen, improved heating and a better salary scale. Staff are no longer complaining, but their enthusiasm for the work itself has not changed. Which theory best explains this outcome?

Herzberg's two-factor theory explains it. Canteen facilities, heating and pay are hygiene factors, which remove dissatisfaction but do not motivate. Genuine motivation requires motivators such as achievement, recognition, responsibility and interesting work, which have not been addressed here.

  1. AHerzberg's two-factor theory, because these are hygiene factors that prevent dissatisfaction but do not motivateCorrect
  2. BHerzberg's two-factor theory, because these are motivators that create lasting satisfaction
  3. CMaslow's hierarchy, because self-actualisation needs have now been met
  4. DMcClelland's theory, because staff now have a higher need for power

Explanation

Canteen, working conditions and salary are hygiene factors in Herzberg's theory. Improving them removes dissatisfaction but does not create motivation. Motivators such as achievement, recognition and the work itself would be needed. The motivator option wrongly classifies these items.

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