Frontiers | When hygiene factors become motivation: a moderated mediation analysis of gender, hierarchy, and job satisfaction in Saudi Arabia’s public sector

June 25, 2026 - 16:02

A new study published in the journal Frontiers challenges the classic two-factor theory of motivation by showing that so-called "hygiene factors" can actually drive job satisfaction in Saudi Arabia's public sector. The research, which surveyed over 1,200 government employees, found that basic workplace conditions like job security, supervision quality, and workplace policies become powerful motivators when employees feel their performance is being fairly evaluated.

The study focused on the impact of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which has rapidly expanded female government employment and introduced performance-based accountability reforms. Researchers examined how gender and hierarchical rank influence the relationship between these factors and overall job satisfaction. They discovered a moderated mediation effect: the link between hygiene factors and motivation is significantly stronger for women and for employees in lower hierarchical positions.

For female employees, who have historically faced barriers in the Saudi workforce, the presence of stable policies and supportive supervision appears to signal genuine organizational commitment. Similarly, lower-level staff, who often have less control over their work environment, find that reliable hygiene factors reduce anxiety and allow them to focus on performance. The findings suggest that in contexts of major organizational change, the traditional separation between "motivators" and "hygiene factors" may not hold. Instead, basic conditions can become a foundation for higher engagement, especially for groups that have been traditionally marginalized. The study offers practical implications for public sector managers aiming to retain talent and boost productivity during ongoing national reforms.