Date of Defense

5-1-2000

Department

Communication

First Advisor

Dr. James Gilchrist

Second Advisor

Dr. Melissa Gibson

Third Advisor

Todd Hufford

Abstract

Douglas McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y have been classic examples of management theories since the 1960s. Organizations within business and industry have analyzed and have tried to incorporate McGregor's ideas into their management styles. Theory X and Theory Y are not management styles, but assumptions managers hold about their employees. These theories have become synonymous with management styles over the years though as companies try to move away from Theory X assumptions and toward Theory Y assumptions. It was hypothesized that employees have higher job satisfaction when working with Theory Y managers. More specifically, this study looked at students' perceptions of Theory X and Theory Y managers and how those managers affected job satisfaction. A non-random sample of 293 undergraduate students completed a survey asking them to rate a previous manager on Theory X and Theory Y characteristics and then rate their job satisfaction with that manager. Results indicated that students reported higher job satisfaction when working with Theory Y managers. The study also compared on-campus and off-campus student employees.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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