McGregor

Definition

McGregor's Theories X and Y are concepts in management and organizational psychology that describe two contrasting models of workforce motivation. Theory X assumes employees are inherently lazy and need to be closely supervised, while Theory Y believes employees are self-motivated and thrive on responsibility.

Related terms

Autonomy: Employees are given freedom to make decisions about their work processes or tasks without needing constant approval from higher-ups.

Motivation: The process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. It's what causes us to take action, whether to grab a snack to reduce hunger or enroll in college to earn a degree.

Management style: The method or approach managers use to motivate employees, oversee operations, and implement strategies within an organization