Introduction 5
Behavioural Management Theory - Theory X and Theory Y 5
Analysis 5
Benefits and Limitations 6
Industry Examples 7
Learning Theory - Reinforcement Theory 8
Analysis 8
Benefits and Limitations 9
Industry Examples 10
Conclusion 10
References 12
Introduction
For motivation to become active within businesses one or more theories may need to be properly applied and sustained, in this essay two key motivational theories will be addresses first. The work of McGregor and his behavioural Theory X and Theory Y will be analysed, key issues will be addressed and industry examples of how the theory is put into practice will be given. The second theory looked at in this essay is a learning theory called, the Reinforcement Theory which was developed by BF Skinner. This discussion will also be followed with an analysis, findings and industry examples. Finding the right theory of motivation to best suit a company and its employees is vital towards the productivity of staff and an organisation.
Behavioural Management Theory - Theory X and Theory Y
Analysis
Theory X and Theory Y is one theory derived from behavioural theories, as it looks at two aspects of employee behaviour ‘towards work’ or their ‘work ethics’ and intern manipulates how their superiors think, behave and ‘manage’ performances.
According to McGregor Theory X is described as the way manager make assumptions of their employees. The assumption is that the workers are lazy, have little aspiration, are intolerant to their work and tend to evade accountabilities (Waddell, Jones & George, n.d.). Therefor managers take on a standard operating procedures (SOP’s) approach to motivate staff, this is a “specific set of written instructions about how to perform certain aspects of a task” (Waddell, Jones & George, n.d.).Theory X managers give very little autonomy to their employees, as they believe their role is to closely supervise workers.
References: Dianna, W., Jones, G.R., & George, J.M. Contemporary management (3 ed.). New South Wales: McGraw Hill Education. Kopelman, R.E., Prottas, D.J., & Davis, A.L. (2008). Douglas McGregor 's Theory X and Y: Toward a Construct-valid Me. Journal of Managerial Issues, 20(2), 255-271, 159-160. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.ecu.edu.au/docview/194165861/abstract?accountid=10675 Meeker , S.M.E. (1982). Theory Y: Another Look: Introduction. Southern Review of Public Administration (pre-1986), 5(4), 11. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.ecu.edu.au/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.ecu.edu.au/docview/211528115?accountid=10675 Priest, J.T. (1998, July 10). Theories X and Y. Journal Record, p. 1. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.ecu.edu.au/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.ecu.edu.au/docview/259375756?accountid=10675 Bernard, W. (2013). Humanistic Theory and Personal Constructs. Human Motivation (p. 40). Taylor and Francis. Retrieved from http://reader.eblib.com.au Sorensen, P.F., & Minahan, M. (2011). McGregor 's legacy: the evolution and current application of Theory Y management.Journal of Management History, 17(2), 178-192. doi:10.1108/17511341111112587 He, L. (2013, March 29). Forbes Magazine. Google 's Secrets Of Innovation: Empowering Its Employees. Retrieved May 5, 2014, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/laurahe/2013/03/29/googles-secrets-of-innovation-empowering-its-employees/ Wiard, H. (1972). WHY MANAGE BEHAVIOR? A case for positive reinforcement. Human Resource Management (Pre-1986),11(2), 15. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.ecu.edu.au/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/223822110?accountid=10675 About ANZ (2014). Retrieved from http://www.anz.com.au/about-us/corporate-responsibility/employees/attracting-retaining-talent/remuneration-benefits/