Describe McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y managers.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In observing the behavior of managers, Douglas McGregor noted that many tend to have a group of attitudes that reflect their beliefs about workers and the workplace. He termed this set of attitudes Theory X. To summarize, a Theory X manager assumes that people dislike work and try to avoid it, that they therefore must be coerced to perform, that they wish to avoid responsibility and would prefer to be directed, and that their primary need is for security. Theory X supervisor would adopt an autocratic leadership role, keeping a close eye on employees and looking for occasions when they need to be disciplined to keep them performing adequately. McGregor advises that managers can benefit from adopting a much different set of attitudes, which he terms Theory Y. According to Theory Y, working is as natural an activity as resting or playing, and people will work hard to achieve objectives to which they are committed. They can learn to seek responsibility and to be creative in solving organizational problems. Supervisors and other managers who adhere to Theory Y focus on developing the potential of their employees.