According to the Hygiene Theory, what leads to work dissatisfaction?

Hygiene Theory, developed by Frederick Herzberg, emphasizes the need to distinguish between factors that lead to job satisfaction and those that lead to job dissatisfaction. Hygiene factors are the elements of a job that, if inadequate or absent, can cause dissatisfaction among employees. These include aspects like salary, job security, working conditions, company policies, and relationships with coworkers.

When these hygiene factors are not addressed, they can create an unpleasant work environment, leading to employee dissatisfaction. However, improving these factors alone does not necessarily increase job satisfaction, which is more closely associated with motivational factors such as achievement, recognition, and opportunities for growth. Therefore, the correct identification of hygiene factors as the cause of dissatisfaction reflects the core principles of Herzberg's theory, where their absence can lead to a negative workplace experience.

The other choices, while they can contribute positively to job satisfaction, do not directly address the root causes of dissatisfaction as outlined by the Hygiene Theory.