Date of Award

8-1-1979

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Clemm C. Kessler

Abstract

Reliance on one method coupled with nonsupportive results from studies employing alternate methods have led critics to assert that Motivator-Hygiene Theory is "method-bound". The present study used an alternate method to test the theory. Two groups (n = 30/group) of clerical employees completed questionnaires. One group dealt with satisfying situations, and the other group dealt with dissatisfying situations, and the other group dealt with dissatisfying situations. The independent variable manipulation of the satisfaction-dissatisfaction dimensions was achieved through different directions to respondents. The respondents' task involved briefly describing in writing past job situations which arose directly from specific factors in the questionnaires. The dependent measure was the number of motivator factors generating situations and the number of hygiene factors generating situations. Results supported Motivator-Hygiene Theory. These findings have implications regarding job satisfaction and refute the "method-bound" criticism of the theory.

Comments

A Thesis Presented to the Department of Psychology and the Faculty of the Graduate College University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts University of Nebraska at Omaha. Copyright 1979, Larry Neil Long.

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