Douglas
McGregor, an American social psychologist, proposed his famous X-Y
theory in his 1960 book 'The Human Side Of Enterprise'. 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, Mcgregor's X-Y Theory remains a valid basic
principle from which to develop positive management style and
techniques. McGregor's XY Theory remains central to organizational
development, and to improving organizational culture.
theory x ('authoritarian management' style)
- The average person dislikes work and will avoid it he/she can.
- Therefore most people must be forced with the threat of punishment to work towards organisational objectives.
- The average person prefers to be directed; to avoid
responsibility; is relatively unambitious, and wants security above
all else.
theory y ('participative management' style)
- Effort in work is as natural as work and play.
- People will apply self-control and self-direction in the pursuit of organisational objectives, without external control or the threat of punishment.
- Commitment to objectives is a function of rewards associated with their achievement.
- People usually accept and often seek responsibility.
- The capacity to use a high degree of imagination, ingenuity and creativity in solving organisational problems is widely, not narrowly, distributed in the population.
- In industry the intellectual potential of the average person
is only partly utilised.
