Which term describes factors that, if not taken care of, can make employees unhappy and prevent them from doing a good job?

• A. Maintenance Factor (Two-Factor Theory)
• B. Manage by Walking Around
• C. Management
• D. Marketing Plan

Answer: (A)

Maintenance factors, or hygiene factors, are the elements of a job that must be present to prevent dissatisfaction. When these factors are neglected—things like pay, working conditions, company policies, supervision and coworker relationships, and job security—employees can become unhappy and their performance can suffer. They prevent discontent rather than actively motivating when present, which is why their absence is associated with poor morale and reduced effectiveness. The other options refer to a management approach, a general management concept, and a marketing document, none of which describe the workplace conditions that, if not cared for, lead to unhappiness and impaired performance.