Your fellow employees have a terrible work situation. They work in an old, run-down building with an antiquated heating system. The work itself is tedious and the supervisor is rarely available and only shows up to give reprimands for production shortfalls. Nobody has received a promotion in two years. The work is boring, repetitious, and unrewarding. You are trying to improve this situation with the help of Herzberg's two-factor theory. You decide that your first job should be to improve the hygiene factors. Which of the following would you consider a hygiene factor?
A) working conditions
B) training related to new skills
C) recognition
D) employee empowerment
E) promotion

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hygiene factors are necessary to prevent dissatisfaction among employees. Examples of hygiene factors include working conditions, job security, salary, and company policies. In this scenario, the old, run-down building with an antiquated heating system is a clear indication of poor working conditions, which can be a source of dissatisfaction for employees. Therefore, improving the working conditions can be an effective way to improve the hygiene factors. Training related to new skills (B), recognition (C), employee empowerment (D), and promotion (E) are all examples of motivators, which are focused on increasing job satisfaction and intrinsic motivation. These factors are not related to improving the hygiene factors.

Your Fellow Employees Have a Terrible Work Situation