MANAGEMENT THEORY – THEORY X & THEORY Y they refer to two styles of management – authoritarian (Theory X) and participative (Theory Y). Theory X – If you believe that your team members dislike their work and have little motivation, then, according to McGregor, you’ll likely use an authoritarian style of management. This approach is very “hands-on” and usually involves micromanaging people’s work to ensure that it gets done properly. Theory Y – Theory Y managers have an optimistic, positive opinion of their people, and they use a decentralized, participative management style. This encourages a more collaborative , trust-based relationship between managers and their team members. Although both styles of management can motivate people, the success of each will largely depend on your team’s needs and wants and your organizational objectives. There should be a situational management style than just adopting one single style