Leadership Philosophy Explained
We all make assumptions about human nature. These assumptions determine whether you think people are self-motivated or that their motivation to contribute to group goals requires external incentives and/or negative consequences. In his book, The Human Side of Enterprise, Douglas McGregor asserts that a leader's practices and behaviors reflect one of two general philosophies, or core assumptions, about human nature and work. He labeled these philosophies Theory X and Theory Y. Theory X views followers as inherently unmotivated and in need of direction and control. Theory Y views followers as self-motivated and capable of working independently when they are committed to a goal.
Theory X
Theory X views followers as inherently unmotivated and in need of direction and control.
Assumptions
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Examples
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Theory X Assumptions
- The average person dislikes work and will avoid it if possible.
- People need to be directed and controlled.
- Peole want security, not responsibility.
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- "If I didn't have to pay bills, I would never work."
- A manager threatens employees with a poor performance review if they do not consistently complete assigned tasks.
- A supervisor in a fast food restaurant tells workers what tasks to perform, when to complete them, and how they should be done.
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Complete the following exercise to check your understanding of Theory X in the workplace.
Theory X Exercise
Theory Y
Theory Y views followers as self-motivated and capable of working independently when they are committed to a goal.
Assumptions
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Examples
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Theory Y Assumptions
- The average person does not inherently dislike work. Doing work is as natural as play.
- People will show responsibility and self-control toward goals to which they are committed.
- In the proper environment, the average person learns to accept and seek responsibility.
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- Committed to contributing to others' well-being, Jimmy Carter has devoted significant time and energy to Habitat for Humanity in his retirement.
- A research scientist works more than 60 hours a week to help find a cure for cancer.
- Even though it's not in her job description, an assembly line worker in a manufacturing company suggests process improvements to reduce product defects.
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Complete the following exercise to check your understanding of Theory Y in the workplace.
Theory Y Exercise