Discuss McGregor Theory X and Y
This theory concentrates on the argument that leadership behaviour depends on how the manager views subordinates. McGregor’s research culminated into the following theories:
a) Theory X
The manager is tough, autocratic and supports tight controls with punishment-reward systems. He believes that the human being is lazy nature (the dislike work) and has to be pushed to attain high levels of production. It maintains that human beings dislike and avoids responsibility and only seeks authority.
Douglas McGregor’s theory is sometimes referred to as the pessimistic or negative man. It therefore follows that proponents of this theory will inevitably advocate the task-oriented leadership style.
b) Theory Y
According to McGregor, this is the positive and optimistic view of man. Man is assumed to derive intrinsic motivation from work and is self-sufficient. In addition, man is also presumed to love challenging and responsible tasks.