The author responds to a widespread misinterpretation of theory x and y and presents the position that mcgregors work is, in fact, a contingency approach to management and leadership. Comparative analysis of theory x, theory y, theory z, and theory. Older, strictly hierarchical conceptions of c2, with narrow centralization of decision rights, highly constrained patterns of interaction, and limited information distribution tend to arise from cultural and organizational assumptions compatible with theory x. Theory y shows the democratic and supportive leadership styles in the. Theory x gives importance to supervision, while theory y stresses on rewards and recognition. Jun 25, 2019 developed in the 1960s by douglas mcgregor in his book, the human side of enterprise, theory x and theory y allocate the job of management into two styles. Theoryy shows the democratic and supportive leadership styles in the. Theory x assumptions believe that workers must be controlled and threatened with punishment. Theories x, y and various versions of z have been used in human resource management, organizational behavior, organizational communication and. May 15, 2017 the major distinct disadvantage of theory x and theory y is that they are put forward as challenging sets of assumptions a supervisor is either motivated by theory x or by theory y. Application of theory x and y in classroom management by.
Many have categorized theory x as an autocratic type of leadership and theory y as democratic style. According to mcgregor, the perception of managers on the nature of individuals. Theory x is a motivational theory, which involves high supervision and control over the subordinates, and greater degree of centralization. Aug 05, 2019 theory x assumes that there is a centralization of authority and very tight control over the employees, but theory y says that the authority should be decentralized and that should be leniency in control.
Merits i theory x and theory y are a good guide to management, to not only developing motivational techniques. After reading you will understand the background and the practical basics of these leadership styles what is theory x and theory y. Theory x management style generally get poor results compare with managers use theory y, which produces better performance and results, and allows people to grow and develop. Mcgregors ideas suggest that there are two fundamental approaches to managing people. The average human being does not inherently dislike work. His work showed that thoughts and beliefs might influence behavio. Theory a explains a process by which managerial leadership in organizations accomplish. In 1960, douglas mcgregor developed a leadership theory mcgregor theory x and theory y about organization and management in which he. You may, however, find that you naturally favor one over the other. How american management can meet the japanese challenge.
Motivating people using theory x and theory y youtube. Pdf theory x and theory y type leadership behavior and its. The result was theory za development beyond theory x and theory y that blended the best of eastern and western management practices. Theory x and theory y are wellresearched leadership principles. 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. Theory x and theory y also have implications in military command and control c2. Pdf theory x and theory y type leadership behavior and. In his 1960 book, the human side of enterprise, mcgregor proposed two theories by which managers perceive and address. Ouchis theory first appeared in his 1981 book, theory z.
Introduced by douglas mcgregor, theory x and theory y talk about the diverging views that exist about how organizations function. Our article on transformational leadership can also. Theory y assumes that people are innovative and creative in all aspects. While an authoritarian style is considered more traditional, and in some. Leaders know best, and should closely direct actions taken by staff, with little room for independence and. Leadership style and organizational performance have been researched extensively. Differences between theory x and theory y difference between. It assumes that employees are happy to work, selfmotivated, creative and enjoy working with greater responsibility. With the onslaught of b2b social media, and the break down of formal business approach, business is also being conducted more around theory y than old school theory x. Make employees feel secure enough to express ideas and ask questions.
However, modern revisions including contingency theorists argue that theory y is not essentially a progressive alternative to a dull theory x. Theoryx assumes that people have little capacity fo creativity and they are suited for routine work only. This is the idea behind douglas mcgregors theory x and theory y. Douglas mcgregor work is established in motivation theory. In a nutshell, theory x states that people inherently dislike their jobs, see them as a necessary evil, are unmotivated, and must be externally controlled throughout the day by coercion, direction, or threat of punishment. Most managers will likely use a mixture of theory x and theory y. It is important to note that both theory x and theory y are based on the argument that there are specific approaches to managing. Apr 02, 2012 many organisations are now taking the enlightened view of theory y. Many organisations are now taking the enlightened view of theory y. Mcgregors xy theory is a natural rule for managing people.
On the other extreme, theory y is diametrically opposite to theory x which shows the modern and dynamic approach to individuals and relies on the assumptions that are practical in nature. First, there has been a failure to distinguish between theory xy attitudes and theory xy behaviors. Theory x and theory y framework proposed by mcgregor in his classic book the human side of enterprise 1960 consists of two alternative set of assumptions. This article describes the theory x and theory y of douglas mcgregor. The xy theory diagram and measurement tool below pdf and doc versions. Open communication and feedback are most often cited as qualities preferred in leaders by members of generation x, the postbaby boomer generation, and. 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. Theory x advanced the view that human beings have an innate dislike for work. May 05, 2018 so, xtheory may say to be a negative and pessimistic one and ytheory may say to be positive and optimistic. Theory x and theory y type leadership behavior and its.
Theory x is a conventional approach to motivation, based on negative assumptions. Douglas mcgregor, a behavior management theorist who was heavily influenced by both abraham maslow and. These people are generally uncomfortable in xtheory situations and are unlikely to be productive, especially longterm, and are likely to seek alternative situations. Introduction the term leadership is a relatively recent addition to the english language. And, just like your algebra class, x and y dont work totally independently, although you can manage in a style that is mostly a theory x or theory y management style. Theory x assumes that there is a centralization of authority and very tight control over the employees, but theory y says that the authority should be decentralized and that should be leniency in control. Keywords theory x theory y, douglas mcgregor, theory x, authoritarian style of managing, theory y. He assumed that the leaders in organization have diverse views on the skills and motivation of the members of organization. The x y theory questionnaire page 1 of 2 indicates whether the situation and management style is the x or y style. Theory x and theory y were developed in the 1960s and describe two different, almost opposite, attitudes to motivation in the workplace.
This approach is derived from fred fiedlers research over various leadership styles. Professor douglas mcgregor highlighted that there is a significant relationship between motivation and leadership among people. Dec 22, 2017 in this video we are going to be looking at douglas mcgregor theory x and theory y managers. This quick test provides a broad indication as to management style and individual preference, using the xy theory definitions. Leadership style theoryx shows the autocratic leadership styles in the organization. Theory into practice abraham maslow viewed mcgregor as a mentor. Douglas mcgregor put forward a theory of motivation, called as theory x and theory y. Managers generally have one of two perspectives regarding their employees. The three prior studies that have made this distinction were recently conducted solely to develop constructvalid measures of both. The expenditure of physical and mental effort in work is as natural as play or rest. One psychologist, douglas mcgregor, categorized peoples motivations into two broad categories.
Theory x and y created by mcgregor has been a valid basic principle from which to develop positive management style and techniques. Theory x, theory y, management style, psychological contract. It has been in use only for about two hundred years, although the term leader, from which it was derived, appeared as early as a. Developed in the 1960s by douglas mcgregor in his book, the human side of enterprise, theory x and theory y allocate the job of management into two styles. Theory x and theory y type leadership behavior and its impact. Theory x, theory y, and theory z introduction to business. However, the literature has a limited number of studies concerning organizational performance of small and medium businesses, even less research on the impact on organizational performance of theory x and theory y type leadership styles. His work is based upon maslows hierarchy of needs, where he grouped the hiera. Mcgregor developed a philosophical view of humankind with his theory x and theory y in 1960. Many years ago a professor named mcgregor dubbed these perspectives theory x and theory y. Small business aykut arslana, selva staubb, a,b halic. Theory x and theory y 875 assumptions about human behavior in organiza. Theory x and theory y published in the sage encyclopedia of management theories.
In this video we are going to be looking at douglas mcgregor theory x and theory y managers. Theory y theory y shows a participation style of management that is decentralized. In this article, we are going to talk about the major differences between theory x and theory y. Chapter 4 leadership theories and models leader, from which. Similarly in leadership, it is not a case of either oligarchy or polyarchy both exist. The two theories are sets of propositions and beliefs about human nature. Mba 101 leadership, motivation mcgregor theory x and theory y. Mcgregor contributed these two sets of assumptions the purposefully impartial labels of theory x and theory y mcgregors accomplishment lay in depicting attention to two contrasting types of managerial attitude. Theory x and y were created and developed by douglas mcgregor at the mit sloan school of management in the 1960s 2. Douglas mcgregor is the one who constructed theory x and y in the 1960s. Both the theories, which are very different from each other, are used by managers to motivate their employees. Theory x and theory y are still referred to regularly in the fields of.
You might, for instance, have a tendency to micromanage or, conversely, you may prefer to take a more handsoff approach. My rationale is based on the fact that the assumptions of the leader on the part of the employee who is in the category of theory x reflects the total mental make up of an individual. Open communication and feedback are most often cited as qualities preferred in leaders by members of generation x, the postbaby boomer generation, and generation y, the millennials. Motivation, theory x and y, classroom, management manager and organisation introduction douglas mcgregor, an american social psychologist, proposed his famous theory x and y in his book the human side of enterprise in 1960. Theory x and theory y are descriptions of two extreme managerial styles. This refers to an authoritarian management style, where reward and punishment is seen as the best way to motivate employees to meet objectives. Theory x and theory y type leadership behavior and its impact on. Mar 21, 20 theory x and theory y framework proposed by mcgregor in his classic book the human side of enterprise 1960 consists of two alternative set of assumptions. Challenges and limitations of theory x and theory y motivation. Oct, 2017 to learn more about theory x and theory y, see the article at. Theory x and theory y team management training from. It emphasizes that staff are selfdisciplined and would like to do the job themselves 6. Apr 04, 2017 managers should distribute leadership and make life more efficient for their employees.
Theory x and theory y are part of motivational theories. Theory x percieves employees to be lazy, irresponsible and untrustworthy, while according to theory y employees are approached as one of the most valuable assets of the company. Theory x and theory y explains how your perceptions can affect your management style. To learn more about theory x and theory y, see the article at. Difference between theory x and theory y with comparison. A boss can be viewed as taking the theory x approach, while a leader takes the theory y approach. Theoryy assumes that people are innovative and creative in all aspects. Mcgregor postulated 2 theories on human management and leadership which are theory x and theory y. Small business aykut arslana, selva staubb, a,b halic university, sishane, istanbul, 34420, turkey. To start off with, heres a brief definition of mcgregors theory x and theory y. Theory x and theory y are theories of human work motivation and management. Managers who use this approach trust their people to take ownership of their work and do it effectively by themselves. Rob hyronsdollar photo club leadership styles are determined by the ways in which a leader perceives those under him and the assumptions he holds about human behavior. Theory x and theory y management oxford bibliographies.
Leadership style theory x shows the autocratic leadership styles in the organization. He summarized the findings of the hawthorn experiment by introducing both theory x and theory y. The theories attempt to show how a managers perception of his team affects the. Theory x form of leadership when the operation is relatively small and he has a limited number of employees. Based on the premises concerning human behaviour, prof. However, the literature has a limited number of studies. Theory x says that the average human being is lazy and self. The author sets forth a model of how theory y relates to managerial style and behavior. The next section of the chapter is devoted to an account of the characteristics that a. Pdf leadership style and organizational performance have been researched extensively. Theory x and theory y to pick the best management style. Managers should distribute leadership and make life more efficient for their employees. The major distinct disadvantage of theory x and theory y is that they are put forward as challenging sets of assumptions a supervisor is either motivated by theory x or by theory y.
The idea that a managers attitude has an impact on employee motivation was originally proposed by douglas mcgregor, a management professor at the massachusetts institute of technology during the 1950s and 1960s. Mcgregors theory x and theory y douglas mcgregors in his book the human side of enterprise published in 1960, explained two different kinds of theories or assumptions about human behavior. Theory x holds a negative traditional view of the workers while theory y holds a much refined and. Small business owners in the sishane lighting and chandelier district.
Challenges and limitations of theory x and theory y. Mcgregors six assumptions of theory y and his ideas of integrating individual and organization goals are congruent with the main planks in my philosophy of life now and at that time. Theory y, is an advanced theory, wherein it is assumed that the workers are selfdirected and selfmotivated, for growth and development and takes active part in decision making. Theory x and theory y type leadership behavior and its impact on organizational performance. Theory y, on the other hand, states that work is natural. Jan 28, 2017 theory x assumes that people have little capacity fo creativity and they are suited for routine work only. It then discusses another way of categorizing leadership styles, based on the leadership grid, and explores the view that a leader needs to use different styles in different situations. Theory x and theory y are still referred to commonly in the field of management and motivation, and whilst more recent studies have questioned the rigidity of the model, mcgregors xy theory remains a valid basic principle from which to develop positive management style and techniques. What generations x, y and z want from leadership insead. They can only be made to get results at work by the application of. Mc gregors theory x and y are still applicable in todays leadership styles. Theory z is a name for various theories of human motivation built on douglas mcgregors theory x and theory y.
Theory x managers believe that their employees come to work just to earn a living, and that they dont want to take on new responsibilities. Pdf theory x and theory y published in the sage encyclopedia. The relationship between mcgregors xy theory management. The ability to hold sometimes conflicting points of view is becoming more important for leaders today.
Chaos leadership and polyarchy countering leadership stress. Theory x and theory y assumptions, merits and demerits. We can relax a bit with the paradoxes and complexities of modern leadership and. He was a strong supporter of theories x and y, and he put theory y that people want to work, achieve and take.
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