Theory X and Y

MGT302 :: Org. Behavior and Teamwork

TUI University

When I took the free survey on businessballs.com and then read Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y, I was quite surprised at the results. This test made me realize how far I “lean” to the Y theory side as opposed to the X theory side. I found this exercise very helpful in viewing myself as an employee, how I can be more of a Y theory supervisor, as well as how to manage working with my X theory supervisor.

I was not surprised so much about the fact that my boss manages differently than I am used to, but I was surprised at how many characteristics were so dead on describing him. I am new to my position and I have never had a supervisor like my current supervisor. The X theory boss description fit him very well. Sadly I don’t think he realizes how he comes across as a supervisor or as a person, to others. Some of the descriptions of an X theory supervisor fit him surprisingly well. Words such as distant, detached, poor listener, and the one that got my attention the most- “poor at proper delegating - but believes they delegate well.” I was surprised not only that it fit him so well, but that there are that many more X theory supervisors out there in the workforce; I was shocked. I have been very lucky and have not had to work under any other supervisors that used his “style” of leadership.

I am very much the Y theory employee- “Effort in work is as natural as work and play… will apply self-control and self-direction in the pursuit of organizational objectives, without external control or the threat of punishment… The capacity to use a high degree of imagination, ingenuity and creativity in solving organizational problems…” I work well with little to no supervision; I set deadlines and goals for myself. I think that may be expected with a military background though. I have found this statement from McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y to be true with dealing with my “Theory X” supervisor: “Theory X...