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Lesson 04: Understanding Philosophy and Styles

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 Examples
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.
  • "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.

 

Check your understanding icon

 

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 Examples
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.
  • 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.

 

Check your understanding icon

 

Complete the following exercise to check your understanding of Theory Y in the workplace.

Theory Y Exercise

 


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