Motivating People - Theory X vs Theory Y

Over 50 years ago, a social psychologist Douglas McGregor of MIT published a book outlining his research of two contrasting management styles: Theory X and Theory Y. He argued that Theory X, based on hierarchy and power, was an outdated authoritarian “top-down” way of managing people. Theory Y, he proposed, was an improved, alternative method of management, one that was more participative and synergistic.