Theory X and Theory Y are two theories introduced by professor Douglas McGregor that explains the approach to managing people depending on their trait. Theory X encourages an authoritative approach to leadership, whereby the employees are compelled to work with the leader to achieve the organizational goals and objectives. On the other hand, Theory Y encourages a participative approach to leadership, which calls for a corporation with the employees since the leader and the employees are not in conflict with themselves.
Theory X form of leadership was adopted more during the 1900s when the autocratic form of government was being practiced, while the theory Y form of leadership is more adopted in the present modern days while the Democratic form of government is put to more practice. In theory X, the employees are not motivated to work, except there is a financial reward attached. But when it comes to Theory Y, the employees are still motivated to work even without financial rewards just achieve their minds set goals and objectives.
Theory X and Theory Y may often be confused with each other, but there are certain differences between the two. These two theories are created by Professor Douglas McGregor. Theory X is said to be based on people’s motivation to become more successful and popular than others. Theory Y is known to be another type of theory wherein people become motivated based on their own free will.
This means that they may become more motivated because they like what they are doing. Theory X states that people dislike their work, but they still push through because their motivation is to become better than other people. Theory Y states that people are more likely to become ambitious as compared to Theory X when people have little to no ambition.