Which statement about Hygiene Factors is true?

• A. They prevent dissatisfaction but do not motivate; if poor, they upset you
• B. They are the main source of intrinsic motivation
• C. They are irrelevant to job satisfaction
• D. They always improve happiness when present

Answer: (A)

The idea here is the distinction between hygiene factors and motivators in job design. Hygiene factors are external to the work itself and include things like pay, supervision, working conditions, and company policies. When these are absent or poor, you become dissatisfied; when they are adequate, they prevent dissatisfaction but don’t actively motivate you to perform better or feel more satisfied with the job. True motivation arises from the job’s content itself—things like achievement, recognition, the work itself, responsibility, and growth.

So the statement that hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction but do not motivate; if poor, they upset you, aligns with this view. The other options don’t fit: hygiene factors are not the main source of intrinsic motivation (that comes from the work itself, not external conditions); they’re not irrelevant to job satisfaction (their presence or absence clearly affects dissatisfaction); and they don’t always improve happiness simply by being present (they prevent negative feelings but don’t boost positive motivation).