What is it?
Douglas McGregor's 1960 publication which highlighted the concepts of
Theory X and Theory Y managers have forever been used to explain the art
of motivation based on human behaviour. It encapsulated a fundamental
distinction between the different management styles and is a valid basic
principle from which to develop positive management style and
techniques to propel organisations towards excellence.
Theory X and Theory Y
Organizations consist of employees and managers. The theory delves on
the attitude and outlook of managers - the direction and growth of the organization is in the hands of managers and it is solely their way of
managing things which leads to proper motivation of the employees and in
the process, achieve growth in the organization.It is important to note
here that Theory X and Theory Y looks into managerial psychology and
their way of planning and running the organization. Thus, it focuses on
the class of managers and their behavioral attributes and attitude.
Theory X Managers
His Theory of Motivation states that there is a certain class of mangers who fall in the bracket of Theory X. In
this theory management assumes employees are inherently lazy and will
avoid work if they can. Because of this, workers need to be closely
supervised and comprehensive systems of control put in place. According to this theory employees will
show little ambition without an enticing incentive program and will
avoid responsibility whenever they can.
The managers influenced by Theory X believe that everything must end in
blaming someone. They think most employees are only out for themselves
and their sole interest in the job is to earn money. They tend to blame
employees in most situations, without questioning the systems, policy,
or lack of training which could be the real cause of failures.
Theory Y Managers
Management influenced by this theory assumes that employees are
ambitious, self-motivated, anxious to accept greater responsibility and
exercise self-control, self-direction, autonomy and empowerment.
Management believes that employees enjoy their work. They also believe
that, given a chance, employees have the desire to be creative at their
work place and become forward looking. There is a chance for greater
productivity by giving employees the freedom to perform to the best of
their abilities, without being bogged down by rules.
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