Thursday, February 23, 2012

Theory X, Theory Y or Theory Z?

When studying classic business management, one often runs to McGregor's theories about motivation in the workplace, Theory X and Theory Y:
  • Theory X claims that employees aren't inherently lazy and dislike work, so managers must ensure a continuous supervision and control system is in place so people perform their work
  • Theory Y claims that employees are self motivated and enjoy work, so managers must ensure that the proper environmental conditions exist so people perform their work 
Today we know that Theory X is ineffective for the vast majority of environments.   There is also a third and related motivational theory, Theory Z:
  • Theory Z claims that employees want to build cooperative relationships with their employers, so managers must ensure that they a participate management system is in place and that their is job security for them.
So what are you doing today to motivate your employees and improve your organization?

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