Self-Assessment Exercise: Assessing your own Theory X and theory Y Tendencies

The questions below are intended to provide insights into your tendencies toward Theory X or Theory Y
management styles. Answer each of the following questions on the scale by circling the number that best
reflects your feelings. For example, circle a “5” for a statement if you strongly agree with it or a “2” if you
disagree with it.

1. Most employees today are lazy and have to be forced to work hard.

2. People in organisations are only motivated by extrinsic rewards such as pay and bonuses.

3. Most people do not like work.

4. Most people today generally avoid responsibility.

5. Many employees in big companies today do not accept the company’s goals but instead work only
for their own welfare.

6. Most people are not innovative and are not interested in helping their employer solve problems.

7. Most people need someone to tell them how to do their job.

8. Many people today have little ambition, preferring to stay where they are and not work hard for
advancement.

9. Work is not a natural activity for most people and instead is something they feel they have to do.

10. Most employees today are not interested in utilising their full potential and capabilities.