How did Douglas McGregor attempt to distinguish between the older, traditional view and the more contemporary view about workforce motivation? Explain the situational leadership model proposed by Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard

Answer 1

Douglas McGregor, a management theorist, attempted to distinguish between the older, traditional view that workers are concerned only about satisfying lower-level needs and the more contemporary view that productivity can be enhanced by assisting workers in satisfying higher-level needs. Under the older view, management exercised strong control, emphasized the job to the exclusion of concern for an individual, and sought to motivate solely through external incentives—a job and a paycheck. McGregor labeled this management style Theory X. Under the contemporary style, Theory Y, management strives to balance control and individual freedom. By treating an individual as a mature person, management lessens the need for external motivation; treated as adults, people will act as adults.
The situational leadership model developed by Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard does not prescribe a single leadership style, but advocates that what is appropriate in each case depends on the follower (subordinate) and the task to be performed. Directivebehavior is characterized by a leader giving detailed rules and instructions and monitoring closely that they are followed. The leader decides what is to be done and how. In contrast, supportive behavior is characterized by the leader's listening, communicating, recognizing, and encouraging. Different degrees of directive and supportive behavior can be desirable, given the situation.