Question

question 13

a major implication of herzbergs motivator-hygiene theory describes how managers should focus their efforts and attention.

what response best reflects the counterintuitive idea of what they should focus on, based on the theory?

managers should focus more on motivators than on hygiene.
managers should focus equally on hygiene and motivators.
managers are free to choose what to focus on between motivators and hygiene.
managers should focus more on hygiene than on motivators.

Explanation:

Understand the core theory

The question asks about the counterintuitive managerial implication of Herzbergs Motivator-Hygiene Theory. This theory divides workplace factors into two distinct categories: hygiene factors (which prevent dissatisfaction but do not motivate) and motivators (which actively encourage superior performance and satisfaction).

Analyze the counterintuitive aspect

Intuitively, managers might think that to motivate employees, they should focus heavily on improving working conditions, pay, and policies (hygiene factors). However, the theory's counterintuitive insight is that hygiene factors only bring employees to a neutral state (not dissatisfied). To truly motivate employees, managers must focus their attention and efforts on motivators (such as achievement, recognition, and growth) rather than hygiene factors.

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1: "Managers should focus more on motivators than on hygiene." This directly aligns with the theory's core counterintuitive recommendation that true motivation comes from motivators, not hygiene factors.
• Option 2: "Managers should focus equally on hygiene and motivators." This does not reflect the specific emphasis or the counterintuitive shift toward motivators.
• Option 3: "Managers are free to choose what to focus on between motivators and hygiene." This is incorrect as the theory provides a specific prescriptive direction.
• Option 4: "Managers should focus more on hygiene than on motivators." This is the opposite of the theory's recommendation.

Answer:

• (A) Managers should focus more on motivators than on hygiene. (Correct answer)
• (B) Managers should focus equally on hygiene and motivators.
• (C) Managers are free to choose what to focus on between motivators and hygiene.
• (D) Managers should focus more on hygiene than on motivators.