Theory X & Theory Y

Question 1

What is this

Answer 1

this is a theory on managers and how they view their staff

Question 2

Theory X

Answer 2

Managers believe staff are lazy, demotivated and require control if they are to be effective.

Managers view themselves as the ‘thinkers’ within the organisation, they’re too direct and control the workers.

Workers are viewed as cogs in a machine, there to complete the tasks in the prescribed manner in order to get the job done

Control of workers through tall structures (you’ll learn about this), rules and producers

Question 3

Theory X is effective when

Answer 3

In crisis
When tasks are short term, repetitive and boring

Question 4

What are the flaws of Theory X

Answer 4

Workers may become demotivated.

Question 5

Theory Y

Answer 5

Managers view workers as highly motivated, responsible and capable of responding to challenges.

Managers view themselves as facilitators or coaches to breitung the best out of their staff.

Workers are empowered to make decisions as they are seen as valuable and experienced resources.

Flatter structures should lead to more freedom for workers

Decentralised decision making and use of intrinsic motivators like training and responsibility. (the ability of decision making, doesn’t rest in the hands or managers)

Question 6

Theory Y is effective when

Answer 6

Staff are highly trained
The work is creative
Actually want to progress the organisation

Question 7

What is a flaw in Theory Y

Answer 7

Decision making may be slow and inconsistent across the organisation.
Employees aren’t motivated to progress in the organisation and just want a paycheck