Global Research Trends on Motivation and Job Satisfaction: A Bibliometric Evaluation of Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory

Abstract

The paper looks at the current trends in research concerning the Two-Factor Theory of Herzberg, particularly job satisfaction, by doing a bibliometric analysis of 2,174 articles that were accessed in the Scopus database. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 1,423 articles related to the topic were chosen for analysis. This paper points to an increase in academic production, particularly among nations such as the United States and China. The highest number of citing papers was in 20162017 and had more than 20 citations on average, but since 2018, it has decreased steadily by an average of 810 percent per year. Thematic analysis indicates a very high concentration on job satisfaction, workforce dynamics, and psychological issues, with healthcare representing the top sector (most of the publications are related to it, over 40%). The research also singles out the areas that have not been fully explored, such as manufacturing and education. Some of the important things that have been found are that intrinsic factors like recognition and career development are important in enhancing job satisfaction. The challenge to apply Herzberg in future research should be on areas that are not represented in the present literature, and especially on manufacturing and education, to expand the use of the Herzberg framework. Altogether, this paper contributes to the important bibliometric understanding of the development of research on employee motivation and its application in various organizational settings.