Assignment 1: McGregor and Maslow on Motivation

In his book, The Human Side of Enterprise, Douglas McGregor (1960) proposed two theories by which employee motivation can be viewed. He called the theories, Theory X and Theory Y. Both of these theories are based on the premise that management’s role is to assemble the factors of production, including people, for the economic benefit of the firm. Beyond this point, the two theories of management diverge. Essentially, Theory X assumes that people work only for money and security, whereas Theory Y proposes that not only money and security, but also self-actualization and intrinsic rewards drive individuals to achieve their goals.

Using the University online library resources, refer to a minimum of three different scholarly sources on Theory X and Theory Y.

Complete the following:

• Describe the main points of each theory.
• Relate McGregor’s approach to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943), explaining how employees can be motivated and satisfy their different levels of needs under each of the theories proposed by McGregor.
• Support your positions with scholarly citations.

Write your initial response in a minimum of 400 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

By Friday, January 17, 2014, post your responses to the appropriate Discussion Area.