What you’ll learn to do: compare and contrast Theory X and Theory Y managers

When we consider what motivates employees, we also need to think about the impact of the manager’s attitudes on those employees’ motivation. This idea was originally proposed by Douglas McGregor, a management professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology during the 1950s and 1960s. McGregor believed that managers have one of two management styles, which he called “Theory X” and “Theory Y.”  In this section you’ll learn more about these styles and how they relate to worker motivation. As you read, see if the descriptions fit anyone you have worked for.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

The learning activities for this section include:

• Reading: Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y
• Self Check: Theory X vs. Theory Y

Take time to review and reflect on this activity in order to improve your performance on the assessment for this section.