Instant Access To 100,000+ Essays!

Comparison and Contrast on Theory XY and Z Douglas McGregor suggested that there are two different ways in which we can look at workers attitudes toward work. Each of these views, which McGregor called Theory X and Theory Y, has implications for management. Theory X ('authoritarian management' style) - People do not really like to work and will avoid it if at all possible so they must be coerced, controlled, directed, threatened with punishment to get them to work. - The average worker avoids responsibility, is unambitious and wants security more than anything else. - Management based on Theory X is paternalistic at best and, at very least, authoritarian. - Rewards and punishment are assumed in this theory to be the key to employee productivity. Theory X managers believe that workers are only motivated by one thing ¨C money. They are selfish, lazy and hate work. They need to be closely controlled and directed. Theory Y ('participative management' style) The theory Y is to some extent the opposite image of X - Effort in work is as natural as rest and play. - People will apply self-control and self-direction in the pursuit of organizational objectives, and the external control or the threat of punishment is no