Douglas McGregor's Theoretical Models: Their Application

Abstract

This paper assesses leadership styles interpreting them through the lens of Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y Theoretical Models on core leadership assumptions. McGregor advances that most leadership styles are influenced by held assumptions about people. The leadership style used by leaders engenders a corresponding level of motivation, which acts as the vehicle in getting the required commitment and motivation from workers. Leadership styles that communicate genuine and positive messages of care, respect, interest, trust and concern for workers welfare, increase employee motivation and generate a natural human reaction of workers extending themselves for the good of their organizations.