Dear Seniors,

While pursuing my MBA in HR, once I came across some theory Z in Motivation. I have studied X & Y theory in Motivation. But I am not able to understand it . Can anyone of you help me understand what is Theory Z in motivation ???

Regards
Nethra R

Dear Nethra,

Probably thoery Z is related with QWL motivational aspects. I possess a little knowledge in this area now, as lost touch with the recent developments in the field .. however can give a general outline.

'Theory Z' as a word has probably first coined by Professor William Ouchi (1981). He described the characteristics of the effcient Japanese companies that produce high employee commitment, motivation, and productivity. Japanese employees are guaranteed a better QWL, increasing their loyalty to the company. Careful appraisal occurs over a period of time, and the responsibility for success or failure is shared among them and management. Most employees do not specialize in one skill area, but work at several different tasks, learning more about the company as they develop. Probably the brightest example is in the Automobile maker companies (Case: Toyota). You may wish to refer to the case TACIT and SHUKKO modelling (University of California e-Scholarship repositories for detailed text).

According to Prof. Ouchi, Type Z organizations tend to have stable employment, high productivity, and high employee morale and satisfaction. Many of these outcomes are similar to Theory Y. (Probably old wine in new bottle .. which we have learnt from experience that to motivate employees one must provide better work life).

Regards

Prof Tandon

Theory Z is the name applied to the so-called "Japanese Management" style popularized during the Asian economic boom of the 1980's. In contrast Theory X, which stated that workers inherently dislike and avoid work and must be driven to it, and Theory Y, which stated that work is natural and can be a source of satisfaction when aimed at higher order human psychological needs, Theory Z focused on increasing employee loyalty to the company by providing a job for life with a strong focus on the well-being of the employee, both on and off the job. According to Dr. William Ouchi, its leading proponent, Theory Z management tends to promote stable employment, high productivity, and high employee morale and satisfaction.

Characteristics of the Theory Z
- Long-term employment
- Individual responsibility
- Implicit, informal control with explicit, formalized measures
- Collective decision-making
- Slow evaluation and promotion
- Moderately specialized careers
- Concern for a total person, including their family

Hope this has clarifies your doubts ; )

bill