carl 09/05/2005,10:01 6.01 Kb

Leadership Assumptions: Interpretation of Results

Theory X

Some people believe people dislike work and will avoid it if they can. They believe that people must be coerced, controlled, directed and threatened to get them to put out effort. They believe people like to be directed, don't want responsibility, and have little ambition. McGregor called this set of assumptions Theory X. If you scored below 2.5 on the questionnaire you would tend to support the Theory X view of human nature.

Theory Y

Some people believe it is natural for people to enjoy work. They believe people can exercise great self-control and self-direction if they are committed. They believe under certain conditions people will actually seek responsibility. They believe a lot of people have imagination, ingenuity and creativity and want to solve organizational problems. McGregor called this set of assumptions Theory Y. If you scored above 2.5 on the questionnaire you would tend to support the Theory Y view of human nature. If you have Theory Y Assumptions, Scanlon can help you operationalize them.