Theory X/Y in the Health Care Setting: Employee Perceptions, Attitudes, and Behaviors

Health Care Manag (Frederick). 2018 Apr/Jun;37(2):109-117. doi: 10.1097/HCM.0000000000000210.

Abstract

Douglas McGregor's conceptualization of Theory X and Theory Y has influenced management practices for almost six decades, despite the relative paucity of empirical support. This empirical study examined the relationships between health care employees' perceptions of (1) manager Theory Y and Theory X orientations; (2) work unit psychological safety, organizational citizenship behavior, and service quality; and (3) the employing entity. The study used survey data from more than 3500 employees of a large US health care system and analyzed them using confirmatory factor and hierarchical regression analyses. Results indicate that McGregor's conceptualization is best considered as two separate constructs-Theory Y and Theory X-rather than as one-dimensional X/Y construct. This study's three dependent variables were positively related to Theory Y and negatively related to Theory X, with larger Theory Y effect sizes. Psychological safety partially mediated the relationship between Theory Y and the dependent variables Y. Practical implications are presented.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude*
  • Delivery of Health Care*
  • Health Personnel*
  • Humans
  • Organizational Culture
  • Surveys and Questionnaires