Douglas McGregor's Theory X & Theory Y

Another motivational theorist along with Maslow and Herzberg was Douglas McGregor, he suggested there were two types of employees and management styles, Theory X and Theory Y.

McGregor's Theory X

Douglas McGregor assumed that all Theory X employees are lazy and dislike work, they are unproactive and have a heavy resistance to change. Theory X employees have a tendancy to go through the motions in the workplace and only go for the pay packet at the end of the month.

Theory X style managers are perceived by McGregor to have an authortarian approach to Theory X employees, they believe that somebody must be to blame for every action and will have a tendancy to micromanage.

McGregor's Theory Y

Theory Y employees are said to take to work as easy as rest or play, they will actively seek responsibility and will be highly ambitious. Theory Y employees will have a natural flair for problem solving and a creative mind. They require no motivation to succeed and have a positive outlook on life.

Theory Y style managers will have a higher level of trust with their employees when compared with Theory X managers, they will find it easy to build a rapport giving more freedom and are less likely to micromanage.

Criticisms of the theory suggest that it is impossible to be either a Theory X or Theory Y type, in truth many people have traits from both theories. It must also be said that hard vs soft styles of management aren't always the answers to improving motivation and a certain middle ground must be met to get results.

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