A motivação no ambiente de trabalho sob a ótica da Teoria dos Dois Fatores: um estudo com acadêmicos do Curso Superior de Administração em um Instituto Federal no Centro-Oeste de Minas Gerais

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze motivation in the workplace from the perspective of Frederick Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, focusing on undergraduate Business Administration students from a public institution in the Midwest region of Minas Gerais who are professionally active. The research is justified by the need to understand how hygiene and motivational factors influence the satisfaction and performance of this new generation of professionals. Methodologically, the study was characterized as descriptive and bibliographic research with a qualitative approach, carried out through a field survey using a structured questionnaire. The results revealed a predominantly young and female profile and demonstrated the relevance of Herzberg's theory in the current context. Regarding hygiene factors, satisfaction with the physical environment and interpersonal relationships was observed, yet dissatisfaction or neutrality regarding salaries and benefits was noted, confirming the role of these elements in preventing dissatisfaction but not in generating engagement. Conversely, motivational factors, such as achievement and autonomy, proved to be strong performance drivers, although the lack of clear career plans was identified as a hindrance. It is concluded that, to increase productivity and retain talent, organizations must balance the maintenance of hygiene factors with strategic investments in recognition and professional growth, given that 74% of participants stated that motivational factors strongly influence their performance.