According to Frederick Herzberg's theory, which of the following best explains what motivates employees in the workplace?

• A. Motivation is driven solely by external rewards and punishments.
• B. Motivation is influenced by two factors: hygiene factors and motivators, where hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction and motivators encourage satisfaction.
• C. Emotional responses are determined by the simultaneous occurrence of arousal and emotion.
• D. Emotions are the result of physiological arousal followed by cognitive interpretation.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that Frederick Herzberg's theory is known as the Two-Factor Theory or Motivation-Hygiene Theory, which explains employee motivation in the workplace.
2. Step 2: Identify the two key factors in Herzberg's theory: hygiene factors and motivators. Hygiene factors are elements that prevent dissatisfaction but do not necessarily motivate employees, such as salary, work conditions, and company policies.
3. Step 3: Recognize that motivators are factors that truly encourage employees to perform better and feel satisfied, such as achievement, recognition, responsibility, and opportunities for growth.
4. Step 4: Differentiate Herzberg's theory from other theories that focus solely on external rewards or physiological/emotional processes, noting that Herzberg emphasizes both preventing dissatisfaction and promoting satisfaction through different factors.
5. Step 5: Conclude that according to Herzberg, motivation in the workplace is best explained by the interaction of hygiene factors (which prevent dissatisfaction) and motivators (which encourage satisfaction).