• X And Y Theory
• Douglas Mcgregor Biography

McGregor's XY Theory. McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y are theories about human behavior and motivation in the organization that was published in 1960 by Douglas McGregor. This theory divides workers and managers in the organization in two typical groups according to how managers lead their subordinates and respectively how subordinates behave.

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. In this article, we are going to talk about the major differences between Theory X and Theory Y. Definition of Theory XTheory X is a traditional model of motivation and management.

It takes into consideration, the pessimistic behaviour of an average human being, who is less ambitious and inherently lazy. Key Differences Between Theory X and Theory YThe points given below are substantial, so far as the difference between Theory X and Theory Y is concerned:. Theory X is propounded by McGregor, which indicates a set of assumptions, that an average worker is motivated to satisfy their own needs and not to contribute to the fulfilment of organisational goals. Conversely, Theory Y is based on the assumption that an average human being is motivated towards growth and development and they contribute to the achievement of organisational goals. Theory X assumes that an employee dislikes work, while theory Y presupposes that work is natural for employees.

Theory X says that employees are unambitious, whereas the employees are highly ambitious says Theory Y. As per theory X, it has been inferred that people do not like taking responsibilities and avoids it to the extent possible. On the other hand, theory Y infers that people accept and seek responsibility.

The leadership style adopted by the management, in the case of theory X is autocratic. As against, democratic leadership style is adopted in the case of theory Y. In theory X, it is assumed that employees require constant supervision and direction. In contrast, in theory, Y, the assumption is that employees do not need much supervision for the completion of the task and also in the accomplishment of organisational objectives. Theory X is characterised by tight external control on the employees, whereas theory Y features leniency in control. According to theory X, there is complete centralization of authority, in the organisation, i.e. The power lies in the hands of the top executives.

X And Y Theory

Douglas Mcgregor Biography

Unlike, decentralisation of authority is presumed in theory Y, which involves employees participation in management and decision-making. The element of self-motivation is absent, as per theory X, but present in theory Y. On the basis of theory X, employees stresses on Psychological needs and Security needs. In contrast, based on theory Y, employees concentrates on Social needs, esteem needs and self-actualization needs.ConclusionThe fundamental distinction between these two is treating employees like children and treating employees like adults. These are two separate set of assumptions of the managers which depict the two models of the motivation of manpower, which are adopted by the managers.