Similarities and Differences Between Herzberg and Maslow's Theories

Comparison Between Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory

Abraham Maslow and Frederick Hertzberg were two American psychologists who respectively introduced theories which show the necessary tools that are needed in the workplace to keep workers interested in their work and to keep them working at their best.

These two theories share some key elements together for instance they are in a hierarchal form whereby one need must be satisfied before the other is reached. For instance the hygiene factors in the Herzberg two factor theory which are the factors that prevent worker dissatisfaction and though they do not themselves satisfy workers must be considered first before starting to think about the motivation factors that actually keep the worker motivated and interested in his work. This is similar to the way in which in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs one need must be satisfied before wanting to satisfy other needs: for instance the physiological needs which are the basic needs we all have such as the need for food, air, shelter etc. must all be satisfied before an in individual begins to experience safety needs which are the feelings of insecurity caused by unsafe work environments, unstable work contracts etc. this is defined as prepotency. Also these two theories correspond with each other to a great extent. For instance Herzberg’s hygiene factors are closely related to Maslow’s physiological, safety and belongingness needs meaning they both have the same criteria which is basic pay, work conditions etc. and in addition to that Herzberg’s motivator factors have the same criteria as Maslow’s esteem and belongingness needs i.e. recognition, growth, achievement etc. Both theories state that all humans must experience these states in their exact order but they both fail to take into consideration that other people in other parts of the world have different norms; for instance a research shows that Greek and Japanese workers consider the...