Theory X and Theory Y

Theory X and Theory Y

McGregor’s theory X and Y are opposite to each other. Theory X is more like scientific Management and theory Y resembles to Human relations approach.

Theory Y is positive and optimistic view about workers but theory X is negative and pessimistic view about workers.

	Theory X	Theory Y
	Work is an un- natural activity	Work is a natural activity like eating, sleeping, playing and leisure.
	Workers are naturally lazy and don’t want to work	Workers are not naturally lazy , they want to work in favorable conditions
	Since workers don’t like work there is need of foolproof planning and perfect control to get work from them	Workers need favorable conditions and friendly environment to work
	There is a need of guiding workers at each and every step	Workers are self guided and self directed to achieve their goals.
	Workers don’t take responsibility	Workers want to take responsibility in favorable working conditions
	Workers are  not innovative and good problem solvers	Workers are innovative and good problem solvers.

According to McGregor, Theory Y is most preferable and applicable view for good managers.