Mcgregor's Theory X and Theory Y Leadership Styles
McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y Leadership Styles
In 1960, Douglas McGregor, published his book, "The Human Side of Enterprise" in which he presents two contrasting leadership styles: Theory X and Theory Y.
The theory states that managers can cause people to act using both negative and positive motivators, ie Pleasure and pain, carrot and stick, punishment and reward.
Theory X denotes trying to motivate people using negative methods: Threats, punishments and fear.
Theory Y denotes trying to motivate people using positive motivators: Desire, inspiration, praise and rewards.
Theory X and Theory Y may be an expression of the manager's attitude.
Whether a particular manager uses Theory X or Theory Y may be due to the attitude of the manager.
If managers assume that "People are essentially lazy and given half a chance they do the least amount of work possible", then they are more likely to use Theory X and become more authoritarian, rigid and controlling.
On the other hand, if managers assume that, "When given the right conditions, people are essentially trustworthy honest and hardworking" then they are more likely to use Theory Y and be more trusting, collaborative and delegate projects to subordinate colleagues.
Theory X and Theory Y may be an expression of the true nature of the people being managed.
It is readily observable fact that some people are lazy and dishonest. Consequently, it is sometimes wise to use Theory X.
However, it is also a fact that most people are honest, hard working and reliable. Therefore, it is best to use theory Y.
Everything depends on the context.
Whether you should use Theory X or Theory Y depends on your attitude and the nature of the people you work with.
Deciding when to apply Theory X or Theory Y.
My personal approach to McGregor is that I use Theory Y positive motivators, unless I have evidence to suggest that the person I am managing is dishonest, lazy or incompetent.
I normally assume that people are honest, trustworthy and competent and that they respond much better when treated with positive motivators of praise, appreciation, rewards, delegation and confidence.
Leadership and Management Training
Positive and negative motivators is just one of the topics covered in our two-day Leadership and Management training course.
About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Leadership and Management
-
Tips for managing people
Tips for managing people Managing other people can be a difficult job. Other people have the tendency to not always do what you want them to do. They say things you don't want them to say, they do things you don't want them to do, and they don't follow the plan...
Read Article > -
What is the Leadership Quality that People Overlook?
Rationality is the one leadership skill that is commonly overlooked. Being an effective leader means being able to use deductive and inductive reasoning and logic, and treating all people reasonably.
Read Article > -
The Seven Aims of Leadership Training
Leadership training must have clear objectives in order to be successful. Training expert Chris Farmer discusses what those key aims should be.
Read Article > -
How Can We Improve Leadership?
The future success of your organisation depends on the quality of the decisions made by the leadership and the dexterity with which the leaders lead the team.
Read Article > -
How can I be a confident leader?
Can you communicate your goal, your plan and inspire others? To be a confident leader, you need to develop these six qualities. Take our quiz to find out if you have the necessary qualities to be a confident leader.
Read Article >
Looking for Leadership and Management Training?
If you're looking to develop your Leadership and Management Skills, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 8 days, Birmingham M6 J7, places available