Theory X and Theory Y

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the Theory X and Theory Y that were proposed by Douglas McGregor in his book titled "The Human Side of Enterprise." The paper discusses the assumptions that the theories are based on and how they relate to the way that employees work in an organization. The paper then looks at the maturity / immaturity theory developed by Chris Argyris and how it differs from McGregor's theories.

Table of Contents:
Maturity/Immaturity Theory

From the Paper:

"According to the content of the theory, 'the command and control environment is not effective because it relies on lower needs as levers of motivation, but in modern society those needs already are satisfied and thus no longer are motivators' (Leslie, 2001). In this regard, it is expected that the employees will develop their discomfort towards the work, and will be reluctant to accept any responsibility, and 'will have no interest in organizational goals, resist change'. This eventually proves the fact that the theory 'is a self-fulfilling prophecy' (Andrew, 2005). As per the content of the theory, work is taken as a medium responsible for the satisfaction of the lower requirements of the employees, whereas the leisure time is the source of satisfaction of higher needs, but 'it is in satisfying their higher needs that employees can be most productive' (Andrew, 2005)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Elliot, Andrew J., Carol S. Dweck. Handbook of Competence and Motivation. Guilford Press. 2005. pp. 187.
• Patrick J. Montana, Bruce H. Charnov. Management. Barron's Educational Series. 2000. pp. 96.
• Leslie J. Fyans. Achievement Motivation: Recent Trends in Theory and Research. Springer Publication. 2001.
• Douglas McGregor. The Human Side of Enterprise. 2006. McGraw-Hill Professional. pp. 187.
• Chris Argyris. Integrating the Individual and the Organization. 1990. Transaction Publishers. pp. 35.

More papers on Theory X and Theory Y:

• Research Paper # 135431 : "Theory X and Theory Y on the Workplace"
• Essay # 61055 : "Theory X and Y Managers"
• Term Paper # 18462 : "Mcgregor's Theory X & Theory Y"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: