According to Herzberg's two-factor theory, what type of factors lead to job satisfaction?

Herzberg's two-factor theory distinguishes between two different categories that influence employee satisfaction and motivation: hygiene factors and motivating factors. The type of factors that lead to job satisfaction are the motivating factors. These are elements that contribute positively to one's experience in the workplace and include aspects such as recognition, achievement, the nature of the work itself, responsibility, and opportunities for advancement. When these factors are present, they tend to increase employee satisfaction and drive motivation.

Hygiene factors, on the other hand, are necessary to prevent dissatisfaction but do not directly contribute to job satisfaction. These include salary, company policies, working conditions, and relationships with others. While important, they primarily serve to maintain a baseline level of employee satisfaction rather than enhance it. Cultural factors and compensation factors do not directly align with Herzberg's framework, focusing instead on broader workplace elements or financial aspects that may not fully capture the motivational components Herzberg identified. Consequently, motivating factors are vital for realizing true job satisfaction within the context of his theory.