An evaluation of the motivation levels of primary school teachers in terms Herzberg?s two-factor theory

This study was conducted to examine the effects of extrinsic factors on employee motivation. The theory of the study was based on Herzberg?s Two-Factor Theory with a group of teachers as the sample. The study basically investigated the effects of teachers? extrinsic motivation upon working on the mainland (Güngören) and islands (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada). The data gathered regarding motivational factors, catagorized as intrinsic and extrinsic, show that teachers are motivated trought both. The most significant motivational factors for teachers were found to be the meaning and value in the teaching profession, which include the subgroup of competence at work, success, recognition and appreciation; and economic motivation tools in the working environment. The subgroup of extrinsic motivation has come forth as the least motivating factor. The reason for the low satisfaction levels by economic tools has been explained with the low pay rates, fringe benefits and rewards.As a result, the study, having demonstrated intrinsic motivational factors as the primary incentives to employee motivation, has verified Herzberg?s Two-Factor Theory. However, different from Herzberg?s theory, which states extrinsic factors as insignificant and neutral, it has also been observed that extrinsic factors are almost as important as intrinsic factors.