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McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y
Douglas McGregor (The Human Side of Enterprise, 1960) argued that managerial assumptions about human nature fundamentally shape how managers treat employees:
| Dimension | Theory X (Negative Assumptions) | Theory Y (Positive Assumptions) |
|---|---|---|
| View of work | Workers inherently dislike work; avoid it if possible | Work is as natural as play/rest |
| Motivation | Must be coerced, controlled, directed, threatened | Self-directed when committed to objectives |
| Ambition | Workers prefer to be directed; avoid responsibility; desire security | Workers seek responsibility; exercise creativity |
| Motivation source | Primarily financial (lower-order needs) | Higher-order needs (esteem, self-actualisation) |
| Management implication | Close supervision, tight control, autocratic style | Participation, self-control, democratic style |
McGregor's position: Theory Y is more accurate and effective for modern knowledge workers. However, different situations may call for different approaches — Theory X may be appropriate for unskilled repetitive work in crisis.