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theory Y  

Definition

  • Theory Y is Douglas McGregor's theory of democratic leadership or management that is predicated on the following assumptions about employees: They like work, naturally work toward goals, seek responsibility, are imaginative, creative, and clever, and are motivated by empowerment. It has been suggested that with reference to Theory X and Theory Y, individuals tend to see the organization through bifocal lenses: When they are looking upward in the hierarchy, they wish to be seen through Theory Y lenses, but when they look down their bifocals at their subordinates, they tend to see with Theory X lenses. [Source: Dictionary of Strategy: Strategic Management A-Z; Theory Y]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/theory_Y

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