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

Rania, an accountant, says her pay and job security are adequate, but she feels bored because her work gives no chance for achievement or advancement. Under Herzberg's two-factor theory, what is the best action to increase her motivation?

Redesign her role to give more responsibility and recognition. In Herzberg's theory, these are motivators, whereas pay, conditions, policy and supervision are hygiene factors that only prevent dissatisfaction. Hers are already adequate, so improving them further will not raise motivation.

  1. AGive a general pay rise to improve hygiene factors
  2. BImprove working conditions in the office
  3. CRedesign her role to include greater responsibility and recognitionCorrect
  4. DStrengthen company policies and supervision

Explanation

Herzberg held that pay, security, conditions, policy and supervision are hygiene factors, which prevent dissatisfaction but do not motivate. Achievement, recognition, responsibility and advancement are motivators. Since Rania's hygiene factors are already adequate, a pay rise would not motivate her; job enrichment would.

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