Theory X and Y

Definition: Theory X and Y are 2 contrasting employee motivation and organizational development models developed by Douglas McGregor.
Theory X assumes humans inherently dislike working and will try to avoid it if they can. The required management style in this model would be authoritarian and hard.
Theory Y assumes that people view work as being as natural as play and rest and spend the same level of effort on it. The required management style in this model would be participative and soft.

More on theory x and y. More on behavior and motivation: Attribution Theory, Burnout, Employee Commitment, Employee Involvement, Employee Motivation, more...