Question

define Theory X and Theory Y in your own word with an example

Answer 1

• Theory X and Theory Y are both theories of work motivation devised by McGregor.
• Theory X is an authoritarian style where the emphasis is on productivity, on the concept of a fair day's work, and on rewards for performance.Theory X is more leaned towards Managerial and authoritarian way of getting the work from employees and rewarding the same.
• An example is the time clock. You have to clock in partly because the management thinks you'll arrive late and leave early if you don't.
• Theory Y is a participative style of management which assumes that people will exercise self-direction and self-control in the achievement of organisational objectives to the degree that they are committed to those objectives. Theory Y is where the employees are given suitable working conditions where they work by themselves by self motivation and direction.
• An example is an artist on contract to produce art. You tell the artist what you want done but you leave it to him/her when and how to do it as long as they produce what you want within your timeline. She can paint at 2AM for all you care - as long as you get art by the deadline.