This is a peer discussion post. ONLY NEED A FEEDBACK response to this post below.
The most interesting topic I learned from chapter 2 was Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Y. In a nutshell Theory X is the belief that employees are generally lazy, need to be directed, cannot handle responsibility, and are unmotivated. While Theory Y almost seems the opposite, because it is the belief that employees can be self-motivated and creative, they can thrive in positive environments, and they can satisfy personal needs while also satisfying organizational needs. An example is patting yourself on the back after a productive day at work. What was interesting about these theories is that management’s beliefs and behaviors can make either theory true, and the mindset and actions you have around your employees will influence their overall results.
A unique challenge that management in the public sector must face is bureaucracy. I have often heard that bureaucracy can be the enemy of creativity because of its extensive chain of command, especially when it comes to getting any changes approved. It is difficult to promote creativity and innovation when there is little room to try new ideas out. I can see how this would also affect motivation and create a stressful environment. Ways to address these challenges can include incentives and special recognition for accomplishments. PTO or bonuses are always appreciated but people also like to be acknowledged for their hard work in a public setting. Anytime I notice an employee of the year award I wonder what they did to deserve the title!
Out of the videos “McGregor’s Theory X and Y”, “Leadership Styles – Brian Tracy”, and “Which Type of Leader Are You?” I have to say the Theory X and Y was my favorite. Reading the theories through Chapter 2 gave me a general idea of the differences and I assumed they were just opposite mindsets. However the video helped me understand that while the two theories are different they are not opposite. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs breaks it down easily, Theory X takes the lower level needs like physiological and safety into consideration but that’s where it ends. The assumption is that people work because they need money and they have to be there. While Theory Y takes all the needs, including higher level, into consideration like physiological, safety, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Meaning employees can thrive and reach higher levels of potential in the right environments. The video mentioned that McGregor did not see the two theories as opposites but rather on a continuum meaning Y was a progression of X.
The Leadership styles videos covers the Authoritarian, Democratic, and Laissez-Faire just as Chapter 2, but it also included the best times to use these styles and what to take in consideration while using them. With Authoritarian style being controlling and direct it is best to use in situations of emergencies, decisions need to be made quickly, and the leader is the most experienced and knowledgeable. The Democratic style is best to use in situations where creativity is needed, the group needs to feel included, and the decision needs to be as effective as possible. The Laissez-Faire style can have a negative outcome in a lot of situations but can work when the employees are specialized in the area, are highly self-motivated and need little guidance.
I found myself comparing styles and theories to managers and even teachers I have/had in past and present and mentally putting them in the fitting categories. It was cool to think about how impactful they have all been in my views of management and leadership.
References
Chapter 2: Identifying Strengths and Philosophy of Leadership. Login – Georgia Online Virtual Instruction Enterprise Wide. (n.d.). Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://go.view.usg.edu/d2l/le/content/2616726/viewContent/53044466/View
Organizational Communication Channel. (2016, September 9). Douglas McGregor’s theory X and theory Y. YouTube. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://youtu.be/CXAzZRnJo2o
Tracy, B. (2018, November 26). Leadership styles. YouTube. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://youtu.be/lje3bd61SNs
Train in a Day. (2015, July 23). Leadership styles: Which type of leader are you? YouTube. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://youtu.be/ddt_IGMMOrI
