Right Approach of Management

Concept of Theory X and Theory Y

In Theory X and Theory Y, There are two types of workers i.e. lazy and efficient. 

Theory X says that worker hate work and they should be forced to work. While Theory Y says that worker like work and they can do work effectively. Further these theories demonstrate that how a manager should manage different workers. Four situations arise from this concept.

Condition 1: When the employees are efficient but the manager thinks they are lazy.

Condition 2: When the employees are efficient and the manager thinks they are efficient.

Condition 3: When the employees are lazy and the manager thinks they are lazy.

Condition 4: When the employees are lazy but the manager thinks they are efficient.

Condition 1: This is the worst case scenario where in an employee is hard working and dedicated towards the organization but the management believes he is lazy and avoids work. As a result the employee morale may go down and he may even leave the organization.

For example: When I was working, my team mates were had a negative impression about manager that he will not support us. So they never went to him even in hard times. So they always used to hide away from manager.

Condition 2: This is an ideal situation where in the employees are hard working and the manger also knows that and supports them.

For example: In my organization whenever a team was to be formed the employee who were good performers were desired by everybody in their team.

Condition 3: This is a detrimental situation where in the employee is lazy and the management tries to supervise and implement control at each and every level to keep them working. Management ties hard to make them work.  

For example: In my organization, there was a different team who were on contract basis. So to get work out of them was a bit difficult task. I was given a task to supervise on them weather they are installing software in proper time or not. They gave me assurances but after a couple of days it was realized he was taking unusually longer time on simple activities and putting blame on non-availability of certain things from our side, so my manager asked me to stand by him and see to it that whatever he requires is provided to him immediately. Thus for the next 3-4 days I did nothing but stand by him thus affecting productivity at some other areas I was looking after.

Condition 4: This is an approach much sought after as it has been shown that even if an employee who looks to avoid work is supported and encouraged by management sooner or later he will get disciplined and contribute productively towards the organization.

In my organization we had an employee who was lethargic and used to avoid work but his manager never reprimanded him instead he always had great time with him. Employee made very good relation with manager, so he didn’t had that much fear. Manager also distributed some of his responsibilities among other employees thus after some time on seeing his colleagues having to do extra work while he having a comfortable time, he himself went to the manager and asked him that he can handle more work.

Theory X and Theory Y are of great relevance to the challenges of the 21st century. 

“For a good manager, his role should be about unleashing what people already have inside them that are maybe suppressed in most work environments.”