Weekly Reflection 3: Leadership Theory

Weekly Reflections 3 (3^rd April 2024)

 LEADERSHIP THEORY

 Week 3; we discussed regarding the leadership theories. There are 3 theories been updated, which were Traits Theory, Achievement Motivation Theory and Theory X and Y. However, for today’s reflection I want to share and reflect further about Theory X and Y Leadership.

This Theory X and Y leadership developed by Douglas McGregor in 1966. McGregor explain and predict that leadership behaviour and performance based on the leader’s attitude about his followers. This opposite of Theory X and Y are emphasis on control (autocratic) for Theory X, while Theory Y is about supportive (participate). In Theory X, a leader attitude holds that the followers dislike work and must be closely supervised in order to do work. Leader perceived the followers as lazy people, they dislike work, they like to do work as little as possible, and they must be closely supervised. This type of leadership is like “carrot and stick” management, or in Malay it is call “paku dan penukul”.

While for the Theory Y, leader attitude hold that followers like to do work and do not need to be closely supervised. This type of leader views the follower as motivated people, they satisfied with their work, will do what is right for the organization and they participate well in the organization.

The question given by Prof, Yusof this week regarding Theory X. The question is “Do we have Theory X managers among us? Why do you think so?”

My answer, personality of a leader somehow influences their leadership style. Besides, the leader up bringing also influence their way of leading the people. For those that in type A Personality or those leaders that very dominant personality might used this Theory X in their management. However, to apply this Theory X directly in this era of 2024, I also personally disagree because further evolve leadership theory that emphasis on humanity, communication and relationship are ways better to give the best performance from the team members and bring the organisation more success and harmony.