Herzberg Motivation Theory - How Hygienic Is Your Change Management Initiative?

Frederick Herzberg's Hygiene Theory [also known asaccurately.
Two Factor Theory] concludes that certain factors -It is my view that the framing or positioning of a
"motivators" - in the workplace result in job satisfaction;situation by the change leader is extremely important -
factors such as challenging work, recognition, andespecially in knowing how to focus and present a
responsibility. However there are other factors that ifcommunication about a difficult situation with lots of
absent, lead to dissatisfaction and de-motivation;dissatisfiers in such a way that it does address
factors such as status, work environment, location, jobmotivation factors needs at the earliest opportunity.
security, salary and benefits. These things do notI say this because in my view, people will be more
motivate and are called "Hygiene" factors because, likelikely to tolerate difficult circumstances if they are led
hygiene, their presence will not make you healthier, butwell and in such a way that their aspirational and higher
absence can cause health deterioration.motivational needs are addressed.
Practical application of Herzberg Motivation Theory to(3) Judgement call and reframing
change managementIn my view, a key change leadership skill is knowing
(1) The planning of a change initiativehow to make the "judgement call" on how and when
At the planning stage of a change initiative, Hygieneto communicate to people news that in terms of
theory will influence the stakeholder mapping andHerzburg motivation theory is going to dissatisfy them
analysis process and it will help to shape the theand demotivate them.
communication strategy. It focuses change leaders onAnd - here's the key to this I feel - having the capacity
the impacts of these 2 dimensions of human needs -to "reframe" the situation fairly quickly in such a way
motivators and dissatisfiers.that people's motivation needs [or at least some of
(2) The communication skills of leadershipthem] are addressed.
There will be difficult business circumstances andSee here for the full change management implications
especially where job losses are involved and whereof the: " Herzberg Hygiene Theory "
significant change to business practises are involved -Equip yourself to avoid the 70% failure rate of all
that neither sets of needs are going to met particularlychange initiatives with the "Practitioners' Masterclass -
well, or even at all.Leading your people through change, putting it all
People are flexible and will adjust and accept this - attogether and managing the whole messy business.
least for a while - is if it is communicated honestly and