Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y are two contrasting models of workforce motivation and management. Developed in the 1950s and 1960s, these theories describe different assumptions about ...

Drawing parallels to Douglas McGregor's ground-breaking theories of human motivation and management, Theory X and Theory Y, our choice of CEO labels is not coincidental. These theories, presented ...

Theory X stifles innovation and trust, causing dysfunction, especially in crises like COVID-19. Theory Y—based on trust, autonomy, and collaboration—produces better outcomes and morale.

Spaces to support a variety of activities. Image courtesy of Knoll, Inc. In 1960, social scientist and MIT professor Douglas McGregor introduced the concept of Theory X and Theory Y management.

X and Y were born by academia in the 1960’s, largely out of MIT’s Sloan School of Business. Z was popularized in the 1980’s, stemming from Japanese management ideas.

Theory X leaders, as McGregor argued, often create environments in which innovation, morale, and cooperation are stifled. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump administration’s Theory X ...