Applying Theory Y To Become a Better Leader

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The term leadership may be defined as the “process whereby an individual influences others to achieve a common goal” (Kreitner, & Kinicki, 2010, p. g4). Leadership is a complex mixture of a person’s qualities. It cuts across nearly every modern discipline. Numerous theories have been formulated by management theorists in order to support the benefits of the various management styles. The first one is the Theory Y versus Theory X. the second theory is the Total Quality Management. Another theory that has been formulated to support the advantages of the different management theories is the Theory Z. This essay will focus on how I may possibly use theory Y to become a better leader as a tax professional with an Organization Management degree.

Theory Y was formulated by Douglas McGregor. The Theory assumes that “work is a natural activity, like play or rest” (Kreitner, & Kinicki, 2010, p. 9). The theory further assumes that “people are capable of self-direction and self-control if they are committed to objectives” (Kreitner, & Kinicki, 2010, p.9). According to this theory, employees shall be dedicated to their goals only if incentives are availed to them. These incentives and/ or rewards ought to address higher needs. A perfect example of a higher need is self-fulfillment. This state of affairs makes people to search for responsibility. The theory further adds that scores of persons might handle a particular task and/ or responsibility since innovation and resourcefulness are ordinary within the masses (Ouchi, 1991, p.37).

Under the conditions stated in Theory Y, chances are that individual objectives may possibly be aligned with the institutional objectives/goals. This can be attained by utilizing the worker’s own pursui...

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...oyees have positive intentions of being useful, creative, and responsible. I can use Theory Y to become a better leader in many possible ways such as devotion, job enlargement, participative management, and performance appraisals. An Organizational Management degree offers a variety of useful skills that can help me to become a better leader.

Works Cited

Bennis, W. (2009). Becoming a leader. New York: Basic book.

Cherrington, D.J. (Ed.). (1994). Organizational Behavior: The Management of Individual and

Organizational Performance (2nd ed). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Gardner, J. (1993). On Leadership. New York: Harper and Row.

Kreitner, R. & Kinicki, A. (2010). Organizational behavior (Ninth Ed). New York, NY:

McGraw-Hill Irwin.

Ouchi, W. G. (1991). Theory Z: How American Business Can Meet the Japanese Challenge.

Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley

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