1. Which motivational theory is influenced by personality? Discuss the motivational theory with the personality elements that are involved in the theory. What would be the likely effect of personality if you were to implement this method of motivation?
Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y is influenced by personality. McGregor concluded that mangers’ views of the nature of human beings are based on a certain grouping of assumptions and that they tend to mould their behavior towards employees according to these assumptions.
Under Theory X, the four assumptions held by managers are: 1. Employees inherently dislike work and whenever possible, will attempt to avoid it. 2. Since employees dislike work, they must be coerced, controlled or threatened with punishment to achieve goals. 3. Employees will avoid responsibilities and seek formal direction whenever possible. 4. Most workers place security above all other factors associated with work and will display little ambition.
Under Theory Y, the four assumptions held by managers are: 1. Employees can view work as being as natural as rest or play. 2. People will exercise self-direction and self-control if they are committed to the objectives. 3. The average person can learn to accept, even seek, responsibility. 4. The ability to make innovative decisions is widely dispersed throughout the population and isn’t necessarily the sole province of those in management positions.
Theory X assumes that lower-order needs dominate individuals, while Theory Y assumes that higher-order needs are the dominant ones. McGregor held to the belief that Theory Y assumptions were more valid than Theory Y assumptions. Therefore, he proposed such ideas as participative decision making, responsible and challenging jobs and good group relations as approaches that would maximize an employee’s job motivation.