Which statement best describes hygiene factors in Herzberg's two-factor theory?

• A. Hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction but do not create satisfaction.
• B. Hygiene factors create long-term job satisfaction.
• C. Hygiene factors are equivalent to motivator factors.
• D. Hygiene factors guarantee employee loyalty.

Answer: (A)

In Herzberg's two-factor theory, there are two kinds of factors: hygiene factors and motivators. Hygiene factors relate to the work environment and conditions—things like salary, company policies, supervision, working conditions, and relationships with coworkers. When these are inadequate, people feel dissatisfied; however, simply improving them to an adequate level doesn’t actively increase motivation or create lasting job satisfaction. They serve to prevent dissatisfaction, not to build positive engagement with the job.

That’s why the statement that hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction but do not create satisfaction is the best description. The other ideas don’t fit: hygiene factors don’t generate long-term satisfaction by themselves, they aren’t the same as motivators, and they don’t guarantee loyalty, as loyalty depends on a wider mix of factors beyond the hygiene aspects.