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CMA Foundation · Fundamentals of Business Economics and Management · Leadership and Motivation - Concepts and Theories

Under Herzberg's theory, what is the likely effect when a firm improves hygiene factors such as working conditions and salary from a poor level to an adequate level?

Improving hygiene factors removes dissatisfaction but does not create real motivation. Herzberg viewed hygiene factors as preventing unhappiness, bringing employees to a neutral state. Genuine, lasting motivation comes only from motivators such as achievement, recognition, responsibility and the nature of the work itself.

  1. AStrong, lasting motivation and high job satisfaction
  2. BRemoval of dissatisfaction without creating real motivationCorrect
  3. CIncreased dissatisfaction among employees
  4. DAutomatic growth in employees' sense of achievement

Explanation

Herzberg held that hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction but do not by themselves motivate. Improving them brings employees to a neutral state of no dissatisfaction. Lasting motivation needs motivators such as achievement and recognition, so the first option is wrong.

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