This classic of management literature examines the assumptions about human behaviour which underlie management action and defines two extremes of management style; Theory X and Theory Y. Theory X is described as the traditional, authoritarian method of direction and control that focuses on the task in hand and assumes workers have little interest in work and must be motivated through fear, money and close control. Theory Y, onthe other hand, is a more humanistic view that describes workers as humans with a natural interest in work, achievement and responsiblity who are motivated by goals, who enjoy working hard and who will self-regulate their performance under the right conditions. Although nearly 40 years old, it is nevertheless still a useful starting point for examining management philosophy. Many of the concepts would now be widely accepted in business, although Theory X is still alive and well. McGregor puts Theory Y forward as a universally desireable management approach that will work effectively in all circumstances. Managers would disagree and point to circumstances and organisational contexts in which Theory X is not only defensible, but the only sensible way to manage.