Which statement best differentiates hygiene factors from motivators in Herzberg's theory?

• A. Hygiene factors are financial rewards only; motivators are non-financial.
• B. Hygiene factors increase motivation; motivators prevent dissatisfaction.
• C. Hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction but do not motivate; motivators lead to higher motivation and satisfaction.
• D. Hygiene factors are long-term; motivators are short-term.

Answer: (C)

In Herzberg's approach, certain elements of a job are about preventing negative feelings, while others actively boost how people feel about their work. Hygiene factors cover the work environment and policies—things like pay, working conditions, supervision, and company rules. If these are missing, people become dissatisfied, but simply having them in place doesn’t push motivation or satisfaction higher. Motivators, on the other hand, relate to the content of the work itself—achievements, recognition, responsibility, and opportunities for growth. When these are present, they raise motivation and lead to genuine satisfaction.

So the best statement is that hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction but do not motivate; motivators lead to higher motivation and satisfaction. The other ideas don’t fit because hygiene factors aren’t only financial, and they don’t by themselves increase motivation; they mainly prevent discontent. The idea that hygiene factors are long-term or motivators are short-term isn’t how the theory differentiates them.