Reference no: EM132856095

Question:

Critically assess the content and process motivation theories (McGregor's theory X and Y and Vroom's expectancy theory) in relation to Apple.

Additional information:

Theory X & Theory Y (Douglas McGregor, 1960)

Based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, McGregor proposed that Theory X only filled lower order needs whereas Theory Y fulfilled higher order needs.

Theory X

• Basic assumption: people seek to avoid work and responsibility when possible
• Management style characterised by close supervision

Dislike for work, unambitious and prefer to be directed by others, avoid responsibility, lack creativity and resist change, external control and close supervision required to achieve organisational objectives, lack self-motivation. 

Theory Y

• Basic assumption: people have an intrinsic desire to do good work
• Manager's role is to assist workers to reach their potential by productively channelling their inherent motivation to succeed

Work is natural like rest or play, ambitious and capable of directing their own behaviour, accept and seek responsibility under proper conditions, creativity widely spread, self-direction and self-control, decentralisation and participation in decision-making, self-motivated.

*** Possibly mention Maslow and Ouchy's Theory Z developing on McGregor's theory

Apple Inc

• Theory X type of control under Steve Jobs
• Theory Y level of control under Tim Cook

Vroom's Expectancy Theory

Motivation = Expectancy x Instrumentality x Valence

Expectancy

• Effort and result

Instrumentality

• Result and reward

Valence

• Reward and value

Apple Inc (under Steve Jobs compared to Tim Cook)

• Effort and results (Innovations, expectations, pressures, etc.
• Results and incentives given (were expectations met and were they rewarded)
• Reward and value