There is no perfect organization. This is the reason why all companies have to continue to improve. Although it is normal to have imperfection in the organization, this usually causes dissatisfaction among employees.

There are different factors that can trigger dissatisfaction. Herzberg has illustrated this in his Two-Factor Theory. In this theory, he discussed two factors that affect a person’s attitude towards work. One is the motivating factors. According Herzberg, the motivation factors are those aspects that give the employees a sense of fulfillment and growth. The hygiene factors on the other hand are more of work related, like the compensation and benefits. If the hygiene factors are not satisfied, it will cause dissatisfaction among employees. However, meeting these factors do not automatically motivate the employees either.

Herzberg’s theory makes sense. Let us take the nurses for example. They have one of the most difficult jobs. However, they continue to wear their landau scrubs and serve other people because they find a sense of fulfillment.

Another example is the corporate secretary. She stays in the corporation because of good compensation. However, this does not mean that she is happy. She has though of quitting several times, because she has been taking orders for the past ten years. She does not see a growth in her career either.

Dissatisfaction in the workplace occurs when a person wants to satisfy the different level of his need. If you are familiar with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, you will be able to realize this pattern. When you were a fresh graduate, the only thing you think about is to find a job, get your compensation, and pay your own bills. As you mature, you realize that this is not all that matters. You have to feel that you belong in the organization. It is important that you establish a good relationship with your officemates.

After satisfying those, you address the higher levels of your needs. You are no longer happy with following orders, running errands for someone and the like. You want to feel that you have accomplished something great, something that will boost your morale and self-confidence. You want to be someone.

However, this is not true for everyone. There are types of people who are contented to do the same things over and over again. You might wonder why a person stays in the housekeeping department for a long time or how someone enjoys serving other people. This is because they found a sense of pride. They feel that they are serving their purpose. A personal nurse for example, stays with the family for almost all of her nursing career. She continues to wear her landau scrubs for the family she serves, because she finds a sense of purpose there. She cannot think of any better ways to spend her life.

Dissatisfaction in the workplace occurs because of different aspects. According to Herzberg, it could be because of the lack of motivation and unmet needs in the workplace. Another is a man’s desire to address the higher levels of his needs, which are esteem and self-actualization. However, this is not applicable for everyone because there are those who find purpose and joy in doing what they do.