Question

Theorists from multiple disciplines have significantly contributed to the development of modern-day management attitudes and practices. Among those theorists include Mayo, Maslow, Hertzberg, and McGregor.

Question:

Spend some time researching the above theorists and then choose the theory you find most relevant for developing your personal management style.

Answer 1

McGregor’s theory X and Y:- During the era of the 1960s, Douglas McGregor, a famous social psychologist came up with the two contradictory theories about the opinion of the managers related to the various factors which can motivate the individual and thus can influence the management style.

Theory X:- According to this theory, there is a general perception of the managers that the employees

• Do not like their job
• Try to avoid taking any kind of responsibility and require regular supervision and direction from the managers
• Are required to be directed and controlled, threatened or even forced to perform their jobs
• Will need the direction and supervision of their managers.
• Lack any kind of motivation or incentive to perform best and this, in order to make them work some kind of incentives for rewards, will be required.

Theory Y:- According to this theory, the manager thinks that employees:-

• Are quite happy to take their own initiatives
• Want greater participation in the decision-making process
• Are motivated enough to perform their works and responsibilities on time
• Want to have greater ownership of their jobs
• Look for greater accountability and responsibility and do not need greater supervision or direction from the managers.
• Want to have more challenging jobs
• Use their creativity and imaginary power to resolve the issues and problems.

As currently I have to deal with the individuals who have just passed their graduation and initiating their careers thus out of two theories i.e. Theory X and Theory Y, I find myself to be the manager who is governed by the Theory X as the people under me lack experience of work and thus they need greater motivation, supervision and rewards. As these people initiating their career thus they lack accountability and are not motivated to shoulder greater responsibility. In order to make these things happen, I have to use referent power along with rewards. I have to direct and supervise these people quite often.