FREE online courses on Motivation Defined - Theory Y

 

McGregor realized that theory X's assumptions about human behavior are not always true. As such, he developed an alternate theory of human behavior, called “Theory Y”. This theory represents democratic approach. Theory Y indicates the individual and organization both and highlights the need for improving and entering inner motivation.

 

The assumptions of this theory are as follows:

 

• The average human being does not inherently dislike work. Depending upon controllable conditions, work may be a source of satisfaction.
• External control and threat of punishment are not the only means for bringing about efforts towards organization objectives.
• Commitment to objectives is a function of the rewards associated with their achievement.
• The average human being learns not only to accept but to seek responsibility.
• Under conditions of modern industrial life, the intellectual potentialities of the average human being are only partially utilized.

 

Both theories X and Y represent diametrically opposite views of human nature. Theory “Y” has been advanced to suggest that human beings combine a bit of both according to circumstances. If we relate the above theories to Maslow's hierarchy of needs it may be said that theory X may be more applicable where a man is concerned with the lower level of needs. Once he has an adequate level of satisfaction of the basic physiological and safety needs, theory “Y” may be used for making an appeal to the higher level needs. McGregor believes that recent researches in the behavioral sciences has shown that the assumptions of what he calls theory Y may be more valid than the precepts of theory X.