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Chapter 21

McGregor’s Theory X and Y

 Theory X – people dislike work and responsibility and will try to avoid both.
They therefore need to be coerced.

Managers therefore need to adopt an authoritarian, repressive style with tight
controls. Effectively the workforce is a problem that needs to be overcome by
management.

 Theory Y – employees enjoy their work, they are self-motivated and willing to
work hard to meet both personal and organisational goals. Employees have real
potential and the role of management is to help to release it.

Managers who make these assumptions about their workers are more participative or
democratic in their approach. Employees are viewed as assets to be encouraged
and empowered.

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