According to online resources, it appears that the theory you are referring to is Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation, closely linked with Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation is a theory which outlines how to employees within a working environment are motivated. Roughly speaking, the theory states that aspects of the nature of a person's job, for example, customer interaction in the role of a store employee, or the end presentation of a dish in the role of a chef, lead to job satisfaction. These aspects make a person more motivated to do their job, and to do it well. As a result, these factors are known as "motivators".
However, the theory states that a person can still be motivated to do their job (and to do it well), even if their job lacks these aspects that result in job satisfaction. This is because an absence of these aspects does not cause job dissatisfaction. Job dissatisfaction is distinct and independent from an absence of job satisfaction.
Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation states that actual job dissatisfaction (rather than absence of job satisfaction) is caused by "job-related factors". The constant presence of a boss or manager, for example, may cause job dissatisfaction, as might a dirty working environment, or a low salary. A high frequency of these factors may result in job dissatisfaction, even if a person enjoys the work involved in their job. According to the theory, these factors are known as "hygiene factors".
Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory states that some needs or wants in a person's life are more basic, or necessary, than others. It is only once these basic needs have been fulfilled, and are fulfilled on a regular basis, that the person can go on to fulfill other, less necessary needs. For example, needs at the bottom of the hierarchy (the most basic and most necessary) include the need for food and sleep. On the other hand, needs at the top of the hierarchy (the least necessary, and the last to be fulfilled) include the need to be spontaneous, or the need to be able to solve problems.
- Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation - job satisfaction
Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation is a theory which outlines how to employees within a working environment are motivated. Roughly speaking, the theory states that aspects of the nature of a person's job, for example, customer interaction in the role of a store employee, or the end presentation of a dish in the role of a chef, lead to job satisfaction. These aspects make a person more motivated to do their job, and to do it well. As a result, these factors are known as "motivators".
- The absence of job satisfaction
However, the theory states that a person can still be motivated to do their job (and to do it well), even if their job lacks these aspects that result in job satisfaction. This is because an absence of these aspects does not cause job dissatisfaction. Job dissatisfaction is distinct and independent from an absence of job satisfaction.
- Job dissatisfaction
Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation states that actual job dissatisfaction (rather than absence of job satisfaction) is caused by "job-related factors". The constant presence of a boss or manager, for example, may cause job dissatisfaction, as might a dirty working environment, or a low salary. A high frequency of these factors may result in job dissatisfaction, even if a person enjoys the work involved in their job. According to the theory, these factors are known as "hygiene factors".
- Maslow's hierarchy of needs
Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory states that some needs or wants in a person's life are more basic, or necessary, than others. It is only once these basic needs have been fulfilled, and are fulfilled on a regular basis, that the person can go on to fulfill other, less necessary needs. For example, needs at the bottom of the hierarchy (the most basic and most necessary) include the need for food and sleep. On the other hand, needs at the top of the hierarchy (the least necessary, and the last to be fulfilled) include the need to be spontaneous, or the need to be able to solve problems.