According to Herzberg, what impact do positive hygiene factors have on motivation?

Herzberg's theory distinguishes between hygiene factors and motivators in workplace settings. Positive hygiene factors, such as company policies, supervision quality, and working conditions, do not directly enhance motivation. Instead, they serve to prevent dissatisfaction; if these factors are adequate, employees are less likely to feel unhappy or demotivated. However, having positive hygiene factors alone does not lead to increased motivation or job satisfaction; that is more closely associated with motivators like recognition, achievement, and responsibility.

Hygiene factors can create a baseline where employees feel comfortable, but they do not inspire or drive high levels of performance or engagement. Therefore, while effective hygiene factors can help maintain a neutral or positive atmosphere, they do not lead to improved motivation on their own, aligning with the assertion that they have no effect on motivation.