edf40wrjww2CF_PaperMaster:Desc
The X Y and Z of Management Theory
Achieving a clear understanding of human nature is an important aspect of management in the work place. In order for managers and workers to work together as an effective and productive unit, the workers must know how they fit into the overall scheme of things, and the managers must have a clear understanding of how they can maximize productivity by supporting their employees through the appropriate leadership style. It is also extremely important for managers to realistically evaluate the working environment, as well as the characteristics of the task, in order to decide how he or she deals with and directs employees.
Aside from knowing how human nature dictates a worker's actions, the manager must also be aware of the specific working environment, personalities, and motivational forces, which drive employees. This can then be used to decide which actions are necessary to motivate the work force, and to obtain maximum productivity.
The purpose of this paper is to discuss two theorists, Douglas McGregor and William Ouchi, and the theories, which made them well known in the organizational development and management arenas. McGregor, with his "Theory X" and "Theory Y", and Ouchi, with the notion of a "Theory Z", both look at the attitudes of managers and workers with very similar, as well as contrasting views of how workers are perceived by management, and how workers perceive their role in the company. In these theories, the various authors discuss how each plays an important part in the understanding of workers by management. A comparison and contrast of these two theorists will be presented, which will show how each might view various aspects of the relations ...