Vocabulary【Leadership Theories I】
Theory X and Theory Y
Theory X and Theory Y are theories of work motivation and management.
Theory X believes that most people dislike work and are not motivated to work on their own.
They have little ambition and prefer to avoid responsibility when they can.
Therefore, they must be controlled through rewards and punishments to get their work done.
ambition: 志向
Theory Y, by contrast, believes that most people regard work as a source of satisfaction.
They are self-motivated to pursue objectives and do not need rewards or punishments to drive performance.
Believers of this theory encourage employees to approach tasks without asking for too much direct supervision.
supervision: 监管
As a manager, you will likely to switch between Theory X and Theory Y depending on the situation.
When managing new employees, you may use a Theory X style of management to give more supervision and guidance.
When managing a team of experts, however, it's better to use Theory Y to give them more freedom and authority.
leadership grid
A leadership grid is a model of behavioral leadership.
It is based on leaders' concern for people and concern for production.
A person who emphasizes concern for people cares about their welfare, and seeks to build a trusting relationship with them.
A person who shows concern for production focuses on getting the work done and being productive.
According to the grid, a person who has a high concern for production but a low concern for people is a "task" manager.
A person who shows high concern for people but has a low concern for production is a "country-club" manager.
welfare: 福利
If a person has a balanced concern for both production and people, he is a "middle-of-the-road" manager.
This kind of manager is willing to accept average performance from employees, which results in mediocre production and employee satisfaction.
mediocre: 普通的
As a matter of fact, most people tend to be "middle-of-the-road" managers.
An individual who emphasizes neither people nor production is practicing "impoverished management".
On the other hand, a person who shows a high concern for both production and for people is practicing "team management".
The "team manager" sets high production goals and works with employees to be sure their needs are met.
impoverish: 贫瘠，贫瘠
Question
- Which of the following do Theory X managers assume about their employees?
> they are not willing to discipline themselves. - How will Theory Y managers likely to manager their employees?
> provide them with freedom and decision-making power - A Theory Y style of management would be more effective when team members
> are competent enough to make contributions - Which of the following is the most important for a country club manager?
> meeting employees' need - What is likely to be the issue with the middle of the road leadership style?
> Neither production or employee needs are met - What is the least effective leadership style according to the grid?
> the impoverished management style
