Trusted since 2008
LoginRegister
Study resources on Kenyaplex

Get ready-made curriculum aligned revision materials

Exam papers, notes, holiday assignments and topical questions – all aligned to the Kenyan curriculum.

Browse exam papers
Or go directly to:
Class notes Holiday assignments Topical questions Other resources

Stating three assumptions of each, distinguish between McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y.

Stating three assumptions of each, distinguish between McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y.

Answers

Kavungya
Theory X
Theory X is based on traditional assumptions about people (employees). Here, the conventional
approach of management is used as a base. It suggests the following features of an average
human being/employee (assumptions about human nature):
Assumptions of Theory X.
1. The average human being is inherently lazy by nature and desires to work as little as
possible.
2. He dislikes the work and will like to avoid it, if he can.
3. He avoids accepting responsibility and prefers to be led or directed by some other.
4. He is self-centered and indifferent to organizational needs.
5. He has little ambition; dislikes responsibility, prefers to be led but wants security.
6. He is not very intelligent and lacks creativity in solving organizational problems.
7. He by nature resists change of any type.
In the case of such employees, self-motivation is just not possible. They will work only when
there is constant supervision on them. A manager has to persuade, punish or reward such
workers in order to achieve organizational goals:

Theory Y
Theory Y is based on modern or progressive or professional approach.. Here, the assumptions
about people i.e. employees are quite different.
Assumptions of Theory Y
1. Work is as natural as play, provided the work environment is favorable. Work may act as
a source of satisfaction or punishment. An average man is not really against doing work.
2. People can be self-directed and creative at work if they are motivated properly.
3. Self-control on the part of people is useful for achieving organizational goal. External
control and threats of punishment alone do not bring out efforts towards organizational
objectives.
4. People have capacity to exercise imagination and creativity.
5. People are not by nature passive or resistant to organizational needs. They have become
so as a result of experience in organisations.
6. An average human being learns under proper conditions. He is also willing to accept
responsibility.
7. The intellectual capacity of an average human being is utilised partially under the
conditions of modern industrial life.
Kavungya answered the question on May 17, 2019 at 16:09

Answer Attachments

Next: Compare and contrast Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Hertberg's motivators and hygiene factors.

Previous: List six benefits of systematic training.

View more ATD Principles of Management Questions and Answers  |  Return to Questions Index

Exams With Marking Schemes

Related Questions