MOTIVATION
HERZBERG’S TWO FACTOR THEORY
Herzberg’s two-factor theory is a content theory of motivation consisting of hygiene and motivating factors. Herzberg's studies consisted of interviews in which employees were asked what pleased and displeased them at about their work and the reason behind it. In this theory, for the motivators to become effective, majority of the hygiene factors must be present.
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IMAGE (ref: ONLINE: WWW.TUTOR2U.NET) |
HYGIENE (MAINTENANCE) FACTORS
‘Hygiene’ is not in context of hygiene being a medical term as we know it today, but the need for a business to prevent its employees being dissatisfied at work.
MOTIVATING FACTORS
Motivating factors are present in Herzberg’s theory in order to encourage the individual to perform to his/her full potential and put in that extra effort. These factors tend to create satisfaction in the working environment, when present.
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The diagram is a representation of Herzberg’s two factor theory. The layout is in such a way to point out that hygiene factors need to be completed before moving onto the motivating factors. Herzberg’s and Maslow’s models have few similarities between them. Maslow’s theory suggests needs to have be assured for the person to be motivated. This relates to Herzberg’s theory as for the motivators to become effective, majority of the hygiene factors must be present. |
MOTIVATION FOR STARTING A DEGREE COURSE
My passion for working with numbers and performing calculations motivated me to undertake a degree in Accounting & Finance. Furthermore, pursuing a career in such a field opens various doors for the future; the most obvious one being a well paid job. The idea of working in a successful financial firm or having your own firm one day thrills me.
During my time at Harrow High School, everyone had the opportunity to go away for a couple of weeks for work experience, which the school organised. I got the opportunity to work at Halifax, which is a division of Bank of Scotland Plc. During my time there, I had the chance to sit in a financial advisor’s meeting, which was rather beneficial and interesting. That was a key factor which motivated me in pursuing a career in Accounting & Finance. This relates to Herzberg’s hygiene factors as I have experienced life in a working environment. During my time at Halifax, I felt like I had formed a good relationship with the colleagues, who were always kind and helpful. Also, having the chance to learn new elements of finance got me interested in wanting to know more, hence motivating me to broaden my knowledge at a degree level.
I have always thrived to succeed in life and being given the opportunity to do so in university has motivated me further to do well over the next three years and leave with a degree in Accounting & Finance. This relates to Herzberg’s theory as I want to achieve a degree at the end of my course. Over the three years, I believe that all the hygiene factors will be in place, which will ensure that I am satisfied with the course and the motivational factors will come into effect thereafter.
DE-MOTIVATION
There have been times in the past where I have experienced periods of de-motivation. A Levels were a massive step from GCSEs and I knew that they were not going to be straightforward. I have always looked to excel in whatever I do, however after my first year of sixth form, the results I achieved were not to my standard.
I was highly de-motivated and considered quitting sixth form. This relates to Herzberg’s theory as I was struggling with the notion of achievement. It felt like my dreams of being successful later on in life had been destroyed due to my poor performance in AS levels. Nevertheless, I had no intention to give up that easily and therefore decided to give A Levels another chance. The belief of one day being successful in life motivated me to make this decision.
I moved schools, knowing it was the right thing to do. First few weeks had been difficult as I did not know anyone there and had to adjust to the environment. The staff were really helpful and the students were really friendly, which was highly beneficial. By starting from scratch at a different school and retaking the first year was by far the right decision.
CONCLUSION
I believe each of the three theories are significant in explaining the nature of motivation. They all try and describe the behaviour of certain people at certain time. However, Herzberg’s two factor theory relates to me the most as it motivated me to finer efforts and performance at sixth form. Every person is different and I believe that as time wears on, they can either get motivated or de-motivated; it depends on the individual’s character and the circumstances they are under. I oppose Maslow’s views on the lower levels in need of being satisfied in order for the greater needs to be taken into consideration. As a result, Herzberg’s theory relates to me on the whole.
REFERENCES:
Image 2: Google Images: Herzberg's hygiene and motivating factors
Mullins, L. (2010) Management and Organisational Behaviour. 9th ed. England: Prentice Hall
M.Simpson, 2010, powerpoint presentation.
