Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31784/zvr.14.1.14
Testing Herzberg’s two-factor motivation theory in the private and public sectors – Is there a difference?
Anita Stilin
orcid.org/0000-0002-7363-5694
; University of Applied Sciences of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Ljerka Tomljenović
orcid.org/0000-0001-6569-0004
; University of Applied Sciences of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
*
Valentina Čančar
; Accounting and Bookkeeping Advisor, Croatian Health Insurance Fund, Pazin, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Motivation has been a continuous subject of research, and numerous theories have explored what drives employees. One of the most influential is Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, which distinguishes between hygiene and motivational factors. The main objective of this study is to examine differences in these factors between employees in the private and public sectors. Data were collected through a self-administered online survey. The sample consisted of 103 respondents (50.5% private sector; 49.5% public sector). The results revealed statistically significant sectoral differences in both hygiene and motivational factors, with higher mean values generally reported in the private sector. Salary level affected perceptions of both types of factors, with varying intensity between the two sectors. Furthermore, correlation analysis indicated a moderate relationship between job satisfaction and both hygiene and motivational factors in each sector, with slightly stronger correlations in the public sector. The theoretical contribution lies in findings that provide partial support for Herzberg’s model and highlight sector-specific differences in motivational dynamics. Across both sectors, hygiene factors generally showed stronger correlations with job satisfaction than motivational factors. A refined analysis of these factors offers valuable insights for managers seeking to design effective motivational models in both the private and public sectors, thereby providing an important practical contribution.
Keywords
Herzberg's two-factor theory; motivation; job satisfaction; private sector; public sector
Hrčak ID:
348187
URI
Publication date:
3.7.2026.
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