Guide to Management Theory of Douglas McGregor

Tap into McGregor management theory to unleash employee creativity and initiative
By Jeanne Dininni

Douglas McGregor's theory of management, often referred to as McGregor's XY theory, remains a cutting-edge management model though more than 50 years old. The Douglas McGregor biography describes one of the most influential management theorists as a man whose revolutionary insights into the nature of leadership and management changed the relationship between managers and employees, paving the way for best practices implemented by some of today's most successful companies.

Rooted in the early industrial era, Douglas McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y contrasted two visions of the worker. Theory X, the accepted model at the time, assumed that workers were drones, without ambition or initiative who had to be punished and bullied by bosses to achieve results. Drawing on newly emerging psychological principles, Douglas McGregor's Theory Y offered a different model. Some key Theory Y principles are the following:

1. Work is as natural as play or rest.

2. Workers who are engaged and fulfilled actually enjoy their work.

3. Under the right conditions workers actively seek responsibility, take initiative and make creative decisions.

4. Self-fulfillment is the real reward workers seek.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Assess your company's need for McGregor management theory McGregor's theory of management can revolutionize the relationship between leadership and employees in your company. Numerous online tests are available which can help you see exactly where your organization stacks up against McGregor management theory.

I recommend: ACCEL Team provides several Human Resource Management (HRM) systems diagnostic checklists to help you figure out whether your company's approach to "people management" needs a McGregor-style overhaul. To measure your employees' initiative, Innovation Network offers an "IQ" (Innovation Quotient) test you may take online to help you determine the current innovation level of your organization. This valuable assessment can help you decide precisely where to begin implementing McGregor's management theory. Another "Innovation Quotient Inventory" (IQI test), available at Winston J. Brill & Associates can give you additional insight into your company's need for McGregor theory.

Get training in human resource management to understand McGregor's theory Many websites provide valuable information about McGregor theory. You'll find various training courses and instructional materials that can help you develop the background knowledge and practical expertise to put Douglas McGregor motivation theory to work for your company.

I recommend: Project Management Institute provides human resource management (HRM) training, which covers McGregor's theory; and International Institute of Management offers various theory-based management training courses both online and on location.

Connect with a consultant who can help you implement Douglas McGregor theory Consultants with knowledge and experience in the Douglas McGregor motivational theory can guide you in maximizing the benefit of his principles in your own company's unique environment.

I recommend: Scanlon Consulting Services integrates McGregor management theory into its approach. (In fact, the Y portion of the theory was originally based on McGregor's study of Scanlon company methods.) Pattern Research, Inc. (offering phone or e-mail consultation and referrals free-of-charge) and the Center for Innovative Leadership (providing consulting and coaching services) use methods rooted in McGregor's theories.

Put McGregor's theory of management to work for your company Leadership and management training based on Douglas McGregor X Y theory can help you engage your employees' creativity and initiative in support of shared goals.

I recommend: Businessballs.com offers a multiple intelligences test, which can help you make the most of your employees' natural abilities. YouTube features a video that lays out McGregor theory for your managers or team leaders. The Center for Innovative Leadership offers customized workshops and training based on McGregor's theories.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Most management theorists today agree that Douglas McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y somewhat exaggerate the contrasts in management's view of workers, but the real value of McGregor's theories lies in the way they reveal just how much leadership depends on perception and expectation.