textual study on douglas mcgregor's theory XY.

1. Douglas McGregor’s
‘Theory X’ and ‘Theory Y’
Shubhabrata Bose
IISWBM MBA(Day)
Sec. B Roll No. 91

2. Introduction
 'Theory X' and 'Theory Y' are theories of human motivation created and developed
by Douglas McGregor in the 1960s. These theories describe two contrasting models
of workforce motivation in human resource management, organizational
behavior, organizational communication and organizational development.
 Theory X and Theory Y are models of the type of employees that managers may
encounter in the workplace. These models are used to prepare tactics and
protocols on how to deal with employees to maximize production and profit.

3. THEORY X
According to this theory, type X individuals are inherently lazy and
unhappy with their jobs. These workers need close supervision with
comprehensive systems of control. Theory X individuals show little
ambition and avoid responsibility. Theory X managers need to rely heavily
on the threat of punishment to gain employee compliance.
Theory X people:
 Dislike working, only interested in money.
 Avoid responsibility.
 Have to be controlled, forced and threatened to deliver what’s
needed.
 Need to be closely supervised at every step.

4. Manager adopting Theory X believes
 Everything ends in blame
 In blaming without evaluating the situation
 That it is their job to structure the work and energize the employee
 In authoritarian style based on the threat of punishment

5. THEORY Y
According to this theory, type Y individuals are ambitious, self-motivated
and exercise self-control. These employees enjoy their work and for
them work is as natural ass play. They possess creative problem solving
abilities. They enjoy working with great responsibility.
Theory Y people:
 Take responsibility and are motivated to fulfill the goals they are
given.
 Seek and accept responsibility and do not need much direction.
 Consider work as a natural part of life and solve work problems
creatively.
 Always participate.

6. Manager adopting Theory Y believes
 People want to do well at work
 The employees are a pool of unused creativity
 That the satisfaction of doing a job is in itself motivating

7. Comparing Theory X and Theory Y

8. Theory X Theory Y
Attitude People dislike work, find it
boring, try to avoid it.
People consider work as a part
of life, they enjoy it.
Participation People try to avoid work. People thrive to participate in
a task and give their input.
Motivation People are motivated mainly
by money, fears about their
job security.
People are self-motivated, love
to do their task without any
push from others.
Responsibility People avoid responsibility,
they need to be directed.
People seek and accept
responsibility under right
conditions
Creativity Most people have little
creativity.
People solve problems
creatively.

9. Application
 Theory X management style is widely accepted as inferior to others, it
has its place in large scale production operation and unskilled
production line work.
 Theory Y management style is suited to knowledge work and
professional services. Theory Y principles to encourage knowledge
sharing and continuous improvement.

10. Conclusion
 These theories help future generations understand the changing
dynamics of human behavior.
 Represent two unrealistic extremes.
 Guiding principles of management.
 Mix will ensure a healthy blend of systems.

11. Thank you for your attention