Theory X And Theory Y Essay

The two theories, Theory X and Theory Y, were developed by McGregor to describe two different models of motivation used to influence laborers in the workforce by their managers. The models use two contrasting general assumptions about how laborers are motivated in order to form the foundation for the two different management styles.
Theory X assumes that people have an inherent dislike of work, are likely to avoid responsibilities, are focused on their own individual goals, and have little to no motivation in regards to their work. They are often believed to lazier than management, as well as less intelligent, and only work for an income. Therefore, the workforce is more efficient if managers take a “hands-on” approach to directing the laborers and that labors are motivated by a reward for good work and a reprimand for bad work.
Theory X is best used when the workforce is not inherently motivated to produce a quality outcome product efficiently and is often used where promotion is unlikely or impossible and laborers do repetitive tasks. However, according to McGregor there is two ways to implement this theory. The hard approach uses intimidation, close supervision, and imminent punishment to achieve …show more content…
In regards to Morgan’s typology and functionalism, the functionalist paradigm assumes rational human action as well as believes that organizational behavior can be understood through hypothesis testing. Functionalism is objective versus subjective and conforms to regulation versus radical change. Therefore a functionalist perspective attempts to provide rational explanations for human actions that are pragmatic and conform to sociological positivism. Thus, relationships can be identified and measured using