Author: Tsang, Siu-cheung
Title: A motivational study among Executive Officers I within Housing Department : a case study from the perspective of Herzberg's two-factor theory
Degree: M.Sc.
Year: 1996
Subject: Hong Kong. Housing Dept. -- Officials and employees
Employee motivation -- China -- Hong Kong -- Case studies
Job satisfaction -- China -- Hong Kong -- Case studies
Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations
Department: Multi-disciplinary Studies
Pages: vi, 179 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm
Language: English
Abstract: This dissertation derives its originality from a general hypothesis that there is a prevalence of low morale among the Executive Officers I within Housing Department causing motivational problems. Such problems if unresolved or unattended to would in one way or another create unnecessary management hiccups to the smooth functioning of the department. Owing to the constant job rotation among Executive Officers in the government and their significant roles in serving as the administrative backbone, motivational problems are expected to have domino effect and it will no wonder become serious management concern. Based on the preceding assumptions, a motivational case study has been embarked with a view to testifying the reality of motivational problems among the Executive Officers I within Housing Department. It is believed that findings obtained could to some extent project a scenario of the entire rank of Executive Officer I within the government. By adopting the perspective of Frederick Herzberg's Two Factor Theory of Motivation, it is believed that a pragmatic approach can be easily arrived for tackling motivational issues due to the clear-cut classification or demarcation of underlying attributes into both hygienic and motivating factors. From that point, empirical tips can be developed with practical implications for management's consideration. Starting with an overview of all the motivational theories developed including both content and process theories as well as other newly emerged theories such as role motivation theory, this dissertation will then conduct a revisit to Herzberg's two factor theory especially because of the intense controversies over its validity throughout late 60s and 70s. Attempts have also been made to take a holistic or integrated approach by analysing motivational issues under a context of their interlacing relationships with other management variables such as leadership, training provision, job design, reward system, communication, etc. Literature review serves as a starting point for building up the theoretical foundation of this research case study. A case study other than alternative survey methods is preferred with an endeavour for a well balance between both quantitative and qualitative aspects of motivational issues. For the purpose of running a comprehensive case study, a mixed research method of structured questionnaire and some in-depth interviews has been used. Simple statistical analyses have also been done to provide aid for findings interpretation. Apart from confirming the motivational problems among the Executive Officers I within Housing Department and the applicability of Herzberg's Two Factor Theory of motivation, some new explorations have been achieved including the proved bidirectionality of attributes for causing motivational problems. New perspective like the emergence of socio-political dimension of motivation will also bring about enlightening effect to the 'neutral' classification purported by Herzberg. Political elements like crave for power and office politics are typical examples of such socio-political dimension of motivation. From a practical perspective, Herzberg's two factor theory can serve to diagnose symptoms of motivational problems. As a general and holistic remark, it has also suggested that efforts can be brought to areas like job design, delegation, leadership styles, training provision, communication and reward system for rectification and motivation enhancement.
Rights: All rights reserved
Access: restricted access

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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/4345