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

Theory Y managers believe that Workers are motivated by many different factors apart from money. They enjoy their work and they will happily take on responsibility and make decisions for the business.

Conflict in the Theory Z arena would involve a great deal of discussion, collaboration, and negotiation. The workers would be the ones solving the conflicts, while the managers would play more of a "third party arbitrator" role. This type of manager might be more likely to exercise a great deal of "Power" based conflict resolution style, especially with the Theory X workers. Theory Y workers might be given the opportunity to exert "Negotiating" strategies to solve their own differences.

- People usually accept and often seek responsibility.

Theory X leaders would be more authoritarian, while Theory Y leaders would be more participative. But in both cases it seems that the managers would still retain a great deal of control.

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