Motivation and Management Theories

Motivation and Management Theories

Management Theory of Douglas McGregor - Theory X and Theory Y

McGregor's theories define about the attitudes of managers and

workers, as well as how workers are perceived by management, and how

workers perceive their role in the company. He identified two styles

of management, which he called Theory X and Theory Y. These theories

put forward to the managers, not the workers.

Theory X basically holds the belief of autocratic managers that their

employees has in inherent dislike for work and will avoid it if

possible. These managers like to retain most of their power and

authority, by making decisions on their own, then instructs their

employees to carry out the work task. They often describe as

"authoritative", because they act as "authorities". This type of

manager places great deal of concern on the accomplishment of the

work, whilst much less concern for the worker's opinions/attitudes

toward the manager's decision. This is like self-fulfilling, as the

managers give less opportunities for the employees to participate, the

employees will probably lead to decrease of work motivation. It is

held that employees will end up only respond to monetary rewards,

their payment. This would lead to lose of ground in the work place for

the managers.

Theory X managers also believe that their employees need some kind of

direct pressure and control in order to get them work effectively.

This turns out to be wrong because man actually needs more than

financial rewards at work, he also needs some deeper higher order

motivation in order to fulfill himself. Theory X managers should give

their employees more chances to share their opinions, i.e. having

decision making with the group members.

Theory Y management situation, it's often found that the relationship

between managers and workers are more popular view, which explains the

concepts of Theory Y. Theory Y managers believe that their employees

are creative, eager/enjoy to work and that they want to contribute

ideas and effort. These managers are also known as "participative