Influence of McGregor's Theory X and Y on Time Management

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Influence of McGregor's Theory X and Y on time management
Role theories suggest people take on various roles within their organizations which shape the individuals behaviors to meet the organizations goals and expectations (Colorado State University-Global Campus, 2013). McGregor’s Theory X and Y managerial assumptions seek to explain the role of managers in organizations and how their managerial views influence key business decisions (McGregor, 1957/2000). McGregor (1957/2000) has found that depending on how a manager views their employees and role as manager will determine how they interact with and engage their employees. This work will discuss key assumptions of McGregor’s Theory’s X and Y. For the sake of this discussion, William Ouchi’s adaptations via, Theory Z, will not be addressed. Additionally, this work will address ways in which McGregor’s assumptions are applied in business via examples of its influence in time management decisions.
Understanding Theory X and Y Managerial Assumptions
Douglas McGregor (1957/2000) utilized the work of Abraham Maslow, namely his Hierarchy of Needs, in developing the Theory X and Theory Y assumptions. McGregor theorized that under Theory X, managers are responsible for organizing the elements of productive enterprise for economic interests; managing is a process of directing, motivating, controlling and modifying behaviors to meet organizational needs; and without managerial intervention, people would be resistant to organizational needs. Theory X assumes that the average person is lazy, chooses to work as little as possible, and therefore must be punished or rewarded in order to get them to work (McGregor, 1957/2000). This theory perpetuates a belief that managers are responsible fo...

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...o do their jobs. Flexible scheduling would be utilized by the managers to empower their employees and create an environment that supports employees maximizing their potentials.

Works Cited

Colorado State University-Global Campus. (2013). Module 3 – Management and management theories [Blackboard e-course]. In ORG 502 - Effective organizations theory and practice. Greenwood Village, CO: Author.
Haggerty, P. (2013). Nonstandard work schedules offer employers flexibility for overtime. Payroll Practitioner’s Monthly, 24(1), 1-8. Retrieved from https://ehis-ebscohost-com.csuglobal.idm.oclc.org/ehost
McGregor, D. (2000). The human side of enterprise. Reflections, 2(1), 6-15. (Original work published 1957). doi: 10.1162/152417300569962
Zelinski, D. (2012). On the Clock. HR Magazine, 57(4), 67-70. Retrieved from https://ehis-ebscohost-com.csuglobal.idm.oclc.org/ehost

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