theory X, theory Y
By rickyflair8
@rickyflair8 (24)
Philippines
June 25, 2007 10:10am CST
A person can be classified by his/her ways of being motivated.
A theory X person is motivated to do things, work, chores, etc.. by the means of having a reward or by fear of being punished.
A theory Y person is motivated to do work, chores, study, etc.. by work itself or by the fact that it makes him/her happy.
So what kind of a person are you? how can you be motivated?
1 response
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
25 Jun 07
I disagree with a lot of the business law theories.
If you recently learned this in school then your book has left out some pertinent information.
In 1981, William Ouchi came up with a variant that combined American and Japanese management practices together to form Theory Z, having the following characteristics: long-term employment - collective decision-making - individual responsibility - slow evaluation promotion - implicit, informal control with explicit, formalized measures - moderately specialized career paths - and a holistic concern for the employee, including family.
So a theory Z exists but they do not teach it.
So are you Theory X, Y or Z?
@rickyflair8 (24)
• Philippines
26 Jun 07
wow, i never really knew that! thanks for that nice additional information.. but i dont think that theory z applies only to business conditions. i can't see how we can apply it in real life. but i would love to hear how.. thanks!:D
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
27 Jun 07
I didn't know there was a Z theory until I had to give a formal presentation on McGregor for my business law class in college. I discovered it while researching.
If you were to associate Theory Z to society or every day life it would be associated with a team or group. Such as neighbors. You mow your lawn because your neighbors mow theirs. Not because of a reward or punishment (th. X) or pleasure (th. Y).
Or also like a marriage so to speak.
As I stated in my 1st comment I believe some of the business laws are dated to the society when they were created. This is 2007 and the world has changed and so have the people.
Personally I don't think I am X or Y. I don't do things because of a reward or fear of being punished. So that leaves out theory X.
I don't get any pleasure from doing the dishes. As a matter of fact I don't get any pleasure out of doing any chores. Therefore Y does not fit the bill.
If I had to pick it would have to be Z. I am a team player. I'll cook dinner and my girlfriend does the dishes or vice versa. I also consider others in my decisions.
I still don't think the X,Y,Z theories are complete. There are people like myself who work their hardest out of pride. Giving 120% on every task. Not for money or pleasure but pride. That is not included in any of the theories. My business professor could not grasp this concept.
I don't know if you learned about XYZ theories in a Psychology or Business class. If it were a business class you will also learn that people will not work harder if you pay them more. The book says if you give them a raise they will not work any harder or increase their output. More than likely they will grow tired of the job and quit. They "KNOW" this because they did tests in 1950s. We all know living in the 50's would be like living on another planet.
@rickyflair8 (24)
• Philippines
27 Jun 07
yeah.. i think that theories xyz aren't sufficient. these are only theories anyway.. it doesn't really apply to everybody. ofcourse, there are also gray areas in everything, right? i appreciate the information. thanks!
