McGregor's XY Theory

McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y are theories about human behavior and motivation in the organization that was published in 1960 by Douglas McGregor. This theory divides workers and managers in the organization in two typical groups according to how managers lead their subordinates and respectively how subordinates behave.

Character of the manager or worker corresponding to the theory X:

• Employee does not like to work and avoids work
• Motivation of employees is based on coercive factors using external stimuli (punishment, reward)
• The work of employees must be controlled
• Employees avoid responsibility
• Employees will be better managed and guided to avoid having to take responsibility
• Employees have a reluctance to change

Character of the manager or worker corresponding to the theory Y:

• Work is for the employee as natural an activity as fun or recreation
• Employee gladly accepts autonomy and responsibility, and even actively seeks it
• Employee fully agrees with the goals of the organization and is in accordance with them
• Employee has enough self-discipline and self-control to the objectives performance of the organization
• Employee demonstrates an actively creative and innovative approach to the challenges of the organization