McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y are concepts of employee motivation that are part of the ASQ Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence certification’s Body of Knowledge. Theory X assumes that employees are inherently lazy and will avoid work if they can. Because of this, management needs to impose structure and control and motivate through coercion. On the other hand, Theory Y assumes that employees are self-motivated and thrive on responsibility. Under a Theory Y management, the role of managers is to unleash the potential in employees and guide their natural ability to solve problems1.

While McGregor’s theories are related to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in that they address the motivation behind human behavior and needs, the correct answer in the context of the ASQ Certified Manager Of Quality/Organizational Excellence is motivation factors, as it directly relates to the assumptions managers make about what motivates their employees.

References: 1: Lumen Learning, “McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y”