Theory X and Y

Page in progress

Theory X and Y are two concepts about employees' motivation in the workplace. They were first introduced by a social phycologist, Douglas McGregor, in late 1960's. In his book, called, "The Human Side of Enterprise", McGregor talks about two approaches to management: authoritarian, which refers to Theory X, and participative, in the case of Theory Y.

Theory X

In Theory X employees are perceived to be uninterested to their job and have a negative attitude towards responsibility or initiative.

Main assumptions of Theory X

• People do not enjoy their job and try to avoid it if there is a possibility.
• Employees need continuous guidance from their supervisors.
• Managers have to warn people with punishments in order to make them do the necessary work.
• Employees do not take initiative in their tasks.
• Responsibility is highly avoided.
• People are opposed to any kind of change and try to resist it for as long as possible.
• Security, specifically in their job, is the priority for people.
• Employees lack ambition and need materialistic incentives, rewards to stay involved in work.