
What is McGregory theory of X and Y?
Theory X and Theory Y. In 1960, Douglas McGregor formulated Theory X and Theory Y suggesting two aspects of human behaviour at work, or in other words, two different views of individuals (employees): one of which is negative, called as Theory X and the other is positive, so called as Theory Y.
What is Douglas McGregor's Theory X?
The concept of Theory X and Theory Y was developed by social psychologist Douglas McGregor. It describes two contrasting sets of assumptions that managers make about their people: Theory X - people dislike work, have little ambition, and are unwilling to take responsibility.
What is most useful about Theory X and Theory Y?
The professional levels of discipline, accountability and competition hold as much in theory X as they do in Y. The contrasting factors in X and Y are the means by which management leads their team of workers. What's achieved through strict standards via theory X is achieved through self-motivation and theory Y.
What are the assumptions of McGregor's Theory Y?
In strong contrast to Theory X, Theory Y management makes the following assumptions:
- Work can be as natural as play if the conditions are favorable.
- People will be self-directed and creative to meet their work and organizational objectives if they are committed to them.
- People will be committed to their quality and productivity objectives if rewards are in place that address higher needs such as self-fulfillment.

What is McGregor's theory of X and Theory of Y?
Theory X explains the importance of heightened supervision, external rewards, and penalties, while Theory Y highlights the motivating role of job satisfaction and encourages workers to approach tasks without direct supervision.
What is Theory X example?
Theory X – authoritarian If a manager assumes an employee doesn't like their work and isn't naturally motivated, they're likely to think that prompts, rewards and punishments are the only way the employee will focus. They use their authority to get the job done.
What does Theory X and Theory Y mean?
In 1960, Douglas McGregor formulated Theory X and Theory Y suggesting two aspects of human behaviour at work, or in other words, two different views of individuals (employees): one of which is negative, called as Theory X and. the other is positive, so called as Theory Y.
What does McGregor's theory suggest?
According to McGregor, Theory X management assumes the following: Work is inherently distasteful to most people, and they will attempt to avoid work whenever possible. Most people are not ambitious, have little desire for responsibility, and prefer to be directed.
What does Theory Y represent?
Theory Y denotes a positive view of human nature and assumes individuals are generally industrious, creative, and able to assume responsibility and exercise self-control in their jobs.
What is an example of Theory Z?
For example, promotions and long-term employment measures ensure a conducive work environment where people feel encouraged to do better. Under Theory Z of motivation, the focus is on building an integrated organization, where employees are on the same page.
What does Theory Y represent?
Theory Y denotes a positive view of human nature and assumes individuals are generally industrious, creative, and able to assume responsibility and exercise self-control in their jobs.
What is Mcgregor’s Theory X and Theory Y?
Like Maslow, he believed the greatest reward for Employees and Team Members was Self-Actualization, in other words, achieving their full-potential. The principal foundation of Mcgregor’s Theory X and Theory examples lies in Distinct and Opposing Perspectives in both Motivation and Management of the Employees or Team Members. It’s simply the Approach to create The Most Productive and Most Productive Environment to achieve the Most Efficient and High-Quality Performance in the Workplace.
What is Theory X?
They assume everything in their worst; that people are unmotivated and unwilling, that they hate their jobs and doing their appointed tasks, that they lack self-control and creativity. They neither thank or appreciate the Team Members. There is a scene from Mad Men that explains this one perfectly.
What is the difference between Theory X and Theory Y?
This part of Theory X is based on Behavioral Psychology itself and leaves less space for an individual to achieve their true potential as they are constantly given explicit instructions about their projects or tasks. Theory Y Manager however assumes the exact opposite. They believe that the Team Members are intrinsically motivated to do the tasks they were assigned to and that they are happy with their current job. For this reason, little direction is needed and Theory Y Manager confides in their Team Members. And the Team Member perspective is similar, Theory X Employee really does their best to avoid doing a job and you might catch them scrolling their social media feed instead. On the other hand, Theory Y Employee cares about doing their job as best as they can and they also care about receiving objective and constructive feedback from their Managers to improve themselves and Self-Actualize in the workplace.
Why does Theory X Manager assume as below?
Because they have a defined, unchangeable perspective about their employees. Therefore Don, the Theory X Manager assumes as below.
What is Peggy's motivation for Don?
Peggy’s real motivation however is not the money, it’s the opportunity to Self-Actualize. For this reason, she cares about Don’s approval and appreciation as he is more experienced in his career journey. She aspires to become Don, the Creative Director.
Is Peggy a Theory Y employee?
As we watched the scene, Peggy is an example of a Theory Y employee. Her true potential is to become a Creative Director and she makes effort to accomplish and realise her potential and goal. She is trying to collaborate with her Manager, Don, in order to apply the best idea to their client’s job.
What is McGregor's X-Y theory?
McGregor's X-Y theory is a salutary and simple reminder of the natural rules for managing people, which under the pressure of day-to-day business are all too easily forgotten. His ideas suggest that there are two fundamental approaches to managing people: Many managers tend toward Theory X and generally get poor results.
What is a theory X manager?
Theory X managers ( or indeed Theory Y managers displaying Theory X behaviour) are primarily results-oriented, so orientate your discussions and dealings with them around results - i.e what you can deliver and when.
What is Z-Theory of Management?
Theory Z is often referred to as the 'Japanese' management style, which is essentially what it is . Interestingly, Ouchi chose to name his model 'Theory Z', which apart from anything else tends to give the impression that it's a Mcgregor idea.
Why are X-theory managers forced to be X-theory?
Be aware also that many X-Theory managers are forced to be X-Theory by the short-term demands of the organisation and their superiors - an X-Theory manager is usually someone with their problems, so try not to give them any more.
What to do if X Theory boss tells you how to do things?
If an X Theory boss tells you how to do things in ways that are not comfortable or right for you, then don't questioning the process, simply confirm the end-result that is required, and check that it's okay to 'streamline the process' or 'get things done more efficiently' if the chance arises - they'll normally agree to this, which effectively gives you control over the 'how', provided you deliver the 'what' and 'when'.
What is the essence of managing upwards X-Theory managers?
And this is the essence of managing upwards X-Theory managers - focus and get agreement on the results and deadlines - if you consistently deliver, you'll increasingly be given more leeway on how you go about the tasks, which amounts to more freedom.
Which theory of management produces better performance and results?
Enlightened managers use Theory Y , which produces better performance and results, and allows people to grow and develop.
What is Douglas McGregor's motivation theory?
Each of the viewpoints addresses a different way of meeting each individual’s motivational needs. McGregor believed that a manager’s assumptions about their employees determined their leadership style in the workplace.
Is McGregor's theory of X and Y still used today?
While it may seem like McGregor’s Theories of X and Y are outdated, they can actually still be applied in many business settings today. McGregor’s Theories allow managers to better understand their employees. This enables them to modify their leadership style accordingly and create systems that motivate their workers.
What is the importance of McGregor's theory X?
Theory X pertains and offers importance to strict supervision, additional rewards and external penalties in order to keep an individual’s concentration at work. As per the assumption of McGregor’s theory X, the employees really dislike the work, so they are forced to do it. Theory Y highlights the work satisfaction of employees ...
What is McGregor's theory?
There are two theories, i.e. (Theory X and Theory Y), introduced in the book and are known for management and human motivation.
What is the theory of Y?
Theory Y highlights the work satisfaction of employees and gives authority to the employees to creatively approach the tasks. At some point, theory Y shows the passion and interest of employees at work. Both theories cover distinct roles and assumptions that are defined below.
Is McGregor's theory Y effective?
According to McGregor, both theories have quite different roles, where McGregors Theory Y might seem hard to be put into action across large operations, yet it can be proved to be efficient and effective in the management sectors.
Is command motivation wrong?
Both factors are wrong as an individual seeks greater than just being rewarded financially, which is command motivation that can be termed as an opportunity for the individual to fulfill the career.
Is Theory Y a practical shape?
As per various comments on the assumptions of both theories, Theory Y seems a little bit tough to be given a practical shape as it requires the employees to be satisfied and motivated enough. The above assumptions are the results of social science research and determine such ability that an individual possesses, which should pointed-out by the organization with the aim to become extra effective.
What is McGregor's theory?
The two theories proposed by McGregor describe contrasting models of workforce motivation applied by managers in human resource management , organizational behavior, organizational communication and organizational development.
What does McGregor believe about the middle of the spectrum?
Instead, McGregor feels that an approach located in the middle would be the most effective implementation of Theory X.
What is McGregor's theory of self-actualization?
McGregor also believed that self-actualization was the highest level of reward for employees. He theorized that the motivation employees use to reach self-actualization allows them to reach their full potential. This led companies to focus on how their employees were motivated, managed, and led, creating a Theory Y management style which focuses on the drive for individual self-fulfillment. McGregor's perspective places the responsibility for performance on managers as well as subordinates.
What are the two theories of human motivation?
Theories of human motivation. Mnemonic device for the two theories: a person refusing to work ("X") and a person cheering the opportunity to work ("Y") Theory X and Theory Y are theories of human work motivation and management. They were created by Douglas McGregor while he was working at the MIT Sloan School of Management in the 1950s, ...
What are the two approaches to implementing Theory X?
According to McGregor, there are two opposing approaches to implementing Theory X: the hard approach and the soft approach . The hard approach depends on close supervision, intimidation, and immediate punishment.
What is Theory X?
Theory X. Theory X is based on assumptions regarding the typical worker. This management style assumes that the typical worker has little ambition, avoids responsibility, and is individual-goal oriented. In general, Theory X style managers believe their employees are less intelligent, lazier, and work solely for a sustainable income.
Why is Theory X important?
Because managers and supervisors are in almost complete control of the work , this produces a more systematic and uniform product or work flow. Theory X can benefit a work place that utilizes an assembly line or manual labor. Using this theory in these types of work conditions allows employees to specialize in particular work areas which in turn allows the company to mass-produce a higher quantity and quality of work .
What is Theory X?
Theory X managers tend to take a pessimistic view of their people, and assume that they are naturally unmotivated and dislike work. As a result, they think that team members need to be prompted, rewarded or punished constantly to make sure that they complete their tasks.
When to use Theory X?
You may use a Theory X style of management for new starters who will likely need a lot of guidance, or in a situation that requires you to take control such as a crisis . But you wouldn't use it when managing a team of experts , who are used to working under their own initiative, and need little direction.
What theory do managers use?
Most managers will likely use a mixture of Theory X and Theory Y. You may, however, find that you naturally favor one over the other. You might, for instance, have a tendency to micromanage or, conversely, you may prefer to take a more hands-off approach .
What is Theory X and Theory Y?
Theory X and Theory Y were first explained by McGregor in his book, " The Human Side of Enterprise ," and they refer to two styles of management – authoritarian (Theory X) and participative (Theory Y). If you believe that your team members dislike their work and have little motivation, then, according to McGregor, ...
Why are appraisals used in theory X?
Appraisals are regular but, unlike in Theory X organizations, they are used to encourage open communication rather than control staff . Theory Y organizations also give employees frequent opportunities for promotion. This style of management assumes that workers are: Happy to work on their own initiative.
What is Theory X approach?
According to McGregor, organizations with a Theory X approach tend to have several tiers of managers and supervisors to oversee and direct workers. Authority is rarely delegated, and control remains firmly centralized. Managers are more authoritarian and actively intervene to get things done.
What is the restrictive nature of Theory X?
The restrictive nature of Theory X, for instance, could cause people to become demotivated and non-cooperative if your approach is too strict. This may lead to high staff turnover and could damage your reputation in the long term.
What did McGregor believe?
McGregor believed that management can use either of the needs to motivate his employees, as grouped under theory X and theory Y.
What is the theory of X?
Theory X: Theory X relies on the authoritarian style of management, where the managers are required to give instructions and keep a close check on each employee. As it is assumed, the employees are not motivated, and they dislike working. This theory is based on the following assumptions:
What are the assumptions of Theory Y?
Following are the assumptions of Theory Y: The average human being does not inherently dislike work, they are creative and self-motivated and likes to work with greater responsibilities. Employees are self-directed and self-controlled and therefore the threat of punishment is not only the means for getting the desired results.
What are the assumptions of management theory?
Theory X: Theory X relies on the authoritarian style of management, where the managers are required to give instructions and keep a close check on each employee. As it is assumed, the employees are not motivated, and they dislike working. This theory is based on the following assumptions: 1 The employee is lazy and dislikes work. 2 He is not ambitious and dislikes responsibility and therefore prefers to be led. 3 The employee is self-centered and indifferent towards the organizational interest. 4 Management is responsible for assembling all the factors of production, Viz. Money, material, equipment, people. 5 The managers are required to control his employees, manage their efforts, motivate them, modify their behavior to comply with the organizational needs. 6 The management must intervene to keep the employees working towards the economic ends. The employees must be persuaded, rewarded, motivated, punished, controlled to get the work completed.

What Is McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y?
- Theory X and Theory Y was first proposed in 1960, by Douglas Mcgregor. It was inspired by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and its roots are also based in the Motivation Theory. Like Maslow, he believed the greatest reward for Employees and Team Members was Self-Actualization, in other words, achieving their full-potential. The principal foundation of M...
Theory X
- Authoritarian Management Theory X is our Pessimist. They assume everything in their worst; that people are unmotivated and unwilling, that they hate their jobs and doing their appointed tasks, that they lack self-control and creativity. They neither thank or appreciate the Team Members. There is a scene from Mad Men that explains this one perfectly. Now as we see the Boss, Don i…
Theory Y
- Enlightened Management Theory Y believes that people’s greatest motivation is Self-Actualization. Therefore it’s withoutthe need of a reward exchange, Theory Y Employees are: 1. Creativity Driven 2. Out of Box Thinkers 3. Develop and Grow 4. Easy-Going and Collaborative 5. De-centralized As we watched the scene, Peggy is an example of a Theory Y employee. Her true …
Let’s Review What We Discussed on McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y Examples!
- We learned that according to Mcgregor, there were two ways to motivate people in the workplace. These were either providing compensation for their effort (i.e., salary, bonus, etc.) or giving a chance of Self-Actualization. We alo learned that there were 2 perspectives of looking at it: the Employee’s/Team Member’s and the Manager’s. Both could be Theory X/Y Employee or Theory X…
Theory X - 'Authoritarian Management' Style
How to Manage An X-Theory Boss
- Working for an X-theory boss isn't easy - some extreme X-Theory managers make extremely unpleasant managers, but there are ways of managing these people upwards. Avoiding confrontation (unless you are genuinely being bullied, which is a different matter) and delivering results are key tactics. 1. Theory X managers (or indeed Theory Y managers displaying Theory …
Theory Y - 'Participative Management' Style
- Assumptions made under this theory: 1. Effort in work is as natural as work and play. 2. People will apply self-control and self-direction in the pursuit of organisational objectives, without external control or the threat of punishment. 3. Commitment to objectives is a function of rewards associated with their achievement. 4. People usually accept and often seek responsibility. 5. Th…