Comparison of Maslows hierarchy of human needs and Herzbergs two-factor theory

Maslows hierarchy of human needs

Herzbergs two-factor theory

Assumptions: 1. Individuals have different needs; 2. Different individuals have different needs; 3. Individuals needs can be satisfied.

Assumptions: 1. Workers can be motivated to perform better; 2. Workers can be dissatisfied in the work place; 3. There are many factors that affect dissatisfaction; 4. There are many factors that affect motivation; 5. There are three main states of morale satisfied, neutral, and dissatisfied.

Statements: 1. There are five basic needs; 2. The human needs are hierarchically ordered; 3. Some needs are primary and others are secondary; 4. Individuals seek to satisfy first their primary needs and thereafter secondary needs; 5. Individuals want to satisfy primary (lower) needs at least partially before proceeding to satisfy secondary (higher) needs.

Statements: 1. Removal of dissatisfaction is required before introduction of motivators; 2. Removal of dissatisfaction requires introduction of factors relating to basic conditions desirable for work relating to working conditions, pay & security, company policies, supervisors, & interpersonal relationships. (Hygiene factors); 3. Motivation of employees require introduction of factors relating to achievement, recognition, responsibility, work itself, and personal growth. (Motivators); 4. Removal of dissatisfiers will not make employees satisfied There will be neutral between dissatisfaction and satisfaction; 5. Motivated employees will use their abilities voluntarily and continuously.

Theorems and propositions: 1. Human needs are hierarchically ordered ascending from low level to high level as follows: physiological needs; security needs; belonging (social) needs; esteem needs; and self-actualization needs. 2. Individuals seek to satisfy their lower level needs first before attempting to satisfy higher level needs.

Theorems and propositions: 1. Individuals can be motivated only when they are neutral. 2. Individuals cannot be motivated by improving hygiene factors. 3. Individuals need to enjoy hygienic factors to neutralize their dissatisfaction in prior to enjoy motivating factors leading to higher order of satisfaction.

Operationalization of Theorem 2:

Operationalization of theorem 3:

Concept Lower-level needs: Physiological

Variable Regular income

Data Monthly salary, Monthly receipts of other employments, Income of other sources, Total family income. Job titles proposed, Job titles Present.

Concept Hygienic factors: Working condition

Variable Physical influencing factors

Data Noise, Room temperature, Light, ventilation, humidity.

Motivating factors: Work itself

Job design

Magnitude of agreeableness to individuals ability;

Higher-level needs: Esteem

Job status

Alternate Hypothesis: HA Employees who are not satisfied with their monthly salary will not respond positively to proposed change of their job titles that reflect higher social status.

Alternate Hypothesis: HA Employee output will increase when their jobs design meets individual ability, provided the employees are not dissatisfied.

Null Hypothesis: H0 There will not be a difference in the way employees respond to increase of salary and increase of social status.

Null Hypothesis: H0 Employee output will not have any effect when their jobs design meets individual ability, provided the employees are not dissatisfied.

Comparison: Criteria Coverage of content Testability of arguments Parsimony Generalizability Utility of theory Maslows Herzbergs

High High High

Medium High Medium