Reexamination of Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory of Motivation in the Korean Army Foodservice Operations

Abstract

The validity of Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory of Motivation was tested empirically by using the data obtained from foodservice soldiers and logistics officers serving in the Korean Army foodservice operation. This study compares general job satisfaction between soldier and officer groups and assesses the effect of Herzberg's motivators and hygiene factors on general job satisfaction so as to understand their relative importance in the military foodservice situation. The results show a statistically significant difference in job satisfaction between the foodservice soldiers and logistics officers. Additionally, the results regarding Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory were quite opposite between the two sample groups. For the foodservice soldier group, hygiene factors were more powerful predictors of general job satisfaction than motivators. On the other hand, motivators had a more significant association with logistics officers' general job satisfaction than hygiene factors. For foodservice soldiers, “human supervision” and “independence” factors were ranked first and second for their impact on job satisfaction. In contrast, “achievement” and “working conditions” factors were the two most important motivation factors for logistics officers' general job satisfaction.