Which theory explicitly differentiates between factors that cause dissatisfaction and those that cause satisfaction?

• A. Maslow's hierarchy of needs
• B. McGregor's theory X
• C. Herzberg's two-factor theory
• D. Alderfer's ERG theory

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is that there are two distinct sets of job factors: those that cause dissatisfaction if missing or inadequate, and those that cause satisfaction when present. This is Herzberg's two-factor theory. According to this view, hygiene factors such as pay, working conditions, company policy, supervision, and relationships prevent dissatisfaction but don’t motivate by themselves. When these are improved beyond a basic adequate level, they don’t significantly boost motivation. Motivators like achievement, recognition, the work itself, responsibility, and opportunities for growth create genuine satisfaction and higher motivation when present. So you can remove dissatisfaction with good hygiene factors, but real motivation comes from the presence of the motivators.

Other theories don’t explicitly split factors in this way. Maslow’s hierarchy describes levels of needs rather than a separate set of factors that distinguish dissatisfaction from satisfaction, Alderfer’s ERG theory reorganizes needs without the same explicit two-factor distinction, and McGregor’s Theory X focuses on management assumptions rather than the dual-factor structure itself.