[Theory X and Theory Y](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_X_and_Theory_Y). are ideas about management and motivation created by Douglas McGregor in his 1960 book, "The Human Side of Enterprise." **Theory X** assumes that workers are naturally lazy and need strict rules and supervision. Managers who believe in Theory X think employees avoid work and need to be controlled. [[In the Limit]] this approach causes micromanagement not only as it pertains to output quality, but also on inputs. **Theory Y** assumes that workers are motivated and enjoy their work. Managers who follow Theory Y believe employees are self-driven and can be trusted with more freedom. [[In the Limit]] this approach causes [[ZIRP Management is what preceded Founder Mode]]. The theories are applicable in different situations (i.e. McDonalds will lean more Theory X, Google more Theory Y), and not mutually exclusive. For instance, you can see the RTO push in tech as a Theory X tool, and even though tech is otherwise Theory Y-land, it's a reasonable push post-Covid. #published 2025-02-02