Theory X,Y and Z In the 1960s, social psychologist Douglas McGregor developed two contrasting theories that explained how managers’ beliefs about what motivates their people can affect their management style. He labelled these Theory X and Theory Y. These theories continue to be important even today. Compare the Theory X, Theory Y, and Theory Z assumptions of human relations. What is your personal experience with these theories? Which theory, X or Y, are you closest to? How does this reflect your attitude about how people regard work and behave in the workplace? Do you believe that they get great satisfaction from their work and take pride in doing the best possible job? Or do you think that they see it as a burden, and simply work for the money?
