Yes, many theorists take issue with Herzberg's model. Herzberg's model has
sustained for decades for a simple reason --- it works --- on the factory
floor, in the factoid processing offices, in the knowledge production and
utilization offices and even between managers and their 'superiors'.
Nothing is as practical as a good theory.
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 8 Apr 2004 09:13:22 -0700
> From: Larry Pate <
larry@pate.org>
> Subject: Re: Perceptual differences
>
> Keep in mind that both Herzberg's two-factor theory and his critical
incident methodology were highly controversial. For years Steers and
Porter's popular motivation text suggested that the best thing about
Herzberg's theory was that it was so bad it stimulated interest in coming up
with something better. [...]
It is interesting that, despite the voluminous criticism leveled against the
model, Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory is still popular among
managers." (pp. 17-18).