Framework

Theory X and Theory Y

The question it answers

When a team seems disengaged, should a manager ask whether they assume staff need tight control (Theory X) or will take ownership if trusted (Theory Y)?

Origin
McGregor, 1960
Diagram type
Comparison table
Level of analysis
Individual
Topics
Strategy & leadershipChange management
Chess knight on a glass compass, icon for strategy and leadership

Diagram

Theory X and Theory Y

CriterionTheory XTheory Y
Assumption about peoplePeople dislike work and need supervisionPeople can self-direct and find meaning in work
Management style impliedTight control; clear rewards and sanctionsEmpowerment, participation, development
RiskSuppresses initiativeToo little structure where discipline is needed

Pitfalls

Pitfall

Treating X and Y as two kinds of employee. McGregor described the manager's assumptions, not workers' nature.

Sources

References

Listed A–Z by author surname, Harvard style. A source with a DOI links to https://doi.org/…; one without links to its page or says plainly that it has no DOI.

  1. McGregor, D. (1960) The human side of enterprise. New York: McGraw-Hill.No DOISource page