Which statement correctly describes Herzberg's two-factor theory?

Which statement correctly describes Herzberg's two-factor theory?

• A. Pay is the only factor that matters
• B. Hygiene factors cause satisfaction
• C. Motivating factors create satisfaction, while hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction
• D. Job security is not related

Answer: (C)

Two kinds of factors shape how employees feel about their job. Motivators are the things that, when present, lead to real job satisfaction—things like achievement, recognition, interesting work, responsibility, and opportunities for growth. Hygiene factors are the surrounding conditions—salary, company policies, supervision, relationships, working conditions, and job security—that can prevent dissatisfaction if they’re adequate, but don’t by themselves create lasting positive motivation. The statement you’re looking for sums up this distinction: motivating factors create satisfaction, while hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction. If hygiene factors are inadequate, people feel dissatisfied; improving them reduces dissatisfaction but doesn’t generate strong, lasting motivation. True motivation comes from motivators. Why the other ideas don’t fit: money and pay are just one hygiene factor, not the sole driver of motivation. Hygiene factors don’t create satisfaction on their own; they remove negative feelings. And job security is indeed related as a hygiene factor—it helps prevent dissatisfaction.

Two kinds of factors shape how employees feel about their job. Motivators are the things that, when present, lead to real job satisfaction—things like achievement, recognition, interesting work, responsibility, and opportunities for growth. Hygiene factors are the surrounding conditions—salary, company policies, supervision, relationships, working conditions, and job security—that can prevent dissatisfaction if they’re adequate, but don’t by themselves create lasting positive motivation.

The statement you’re looking for sums up this distinction: motivating factors create satisfaction, while hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction. If hygiene factors are inadequate, people feel dissatisfied; improving them reduces dissatisfaction but doesn’t generate strong, lasting motivation. True motivation comes from motivators.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: money and pay are just one hygiene factor, not the sole driver of motivation. Hygiene factors don’t create satisfaction on their own; they remove negative feelings. And job security is indeed related as a hygiene factor—it helps prevent dissatisfaction.