McGreggors Theory

Support of McGregor’s Theory Y

I support McGregor’s Theory Y on the view of motivation of employees in the workplace. The Y theory is positive in nature. There is an inherit trait for all people to want better for themselves and those whom they care about. This characteristic towards the goods things in life can certainly translate into the work environment given the right managerial leadership and skills. This paper will explain the general assumptions of McGregor’s Theory Y, the challenges a company may encounter using this theory, and the implications that can occur when applied properly.

The Y theory assumes that, much like training up a child, an employee can be trained to like work, seek out creative means to meet company objectives, become self- directed and request responsibility. In general this theory seeks to align personal goals along with the goals of an organization. There are five traits to this theory. First is that work should be as natural as play and rest. Second is the assertion that a committed person will be self-directed in order to meet an objective. Third is the commitment to an objective that a person will make if the rewards are in place that addresses ones higher need of self-fulfillment. The forth trait is that under the above conditions a person will become self-directed. The last assumption of Theory Y is that most can handle additional responsibility because the creativity needed to handle additional tasks is natural and inherent. The resources available on Theory Y suggest that McGregor approach does not imply soft management traits. Tight controls might be necessary until an employee reaches the maturity level to become self directed.

An organization must cognitively choose to implement McGregor’s Y approach in order to properly motivate its staff. Challenges arise when a multifaceted business, which most are, tries a “one approach fits all departments” strategy. Indeed, this is not for all departments of an organization at all times. Other management techniques must be used depending on the job description, entry level of position, and training necessary