Expert: Heidi Mathews - 9/13/2004

Question
I'm sorry if I wasn't clear as to what was actually needed. I have plenty of information on McGregor's theories themselves however, what I need to find information on for a portion of the paper is general information on content theory.   I have tried looking for books and websites that
have successfully discussed content theory itself and have not really found anything of much value. Therefore, I was wondering if the content
theory is the same as the needs theory in that it may have something to
do with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, or am I missing something? I know that there is a slight difference between content theory and the needs theory of Maslows but am not quite certain.
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Followup To
Question -
Hi! I am currently doing a report on Mcgregor's Theories X and Y. A portion of this report has to define content theory in general but I am having trouble finding information. Could you offer any sources to lead me in the right direction or tell me what it is?

Thanks,
Ashley
Answer -
Ashley,
Douglas McGregor wrote a book titled "The Human Side of Enterprise" in 1960 in which he described two theories he had regarding indiviudal's behavior at work.  The two theories, as a basic, are as follows:
Theory X- Human beings naturally dislike work and therefore, must be forced (by threats or otherwise) to work hard enough.  It assumes that the average human being doesn't like responsibility and requires direct supervision to do anything within the workplace.

Theory Y- Humans naturally enjoy work and mental expenditure as much as they enjoy play or rest.  The human will do the job if the work is satisfying.  The average human seeks to claim responsibility.

As you can probably tell, neither theory is true in its entirety.  To learn more, type McGregor's Theories X and Y into a search box, kind of scan what's online.  If you're in college, your library should have plenty of journals which can direct you to the official research he did on the topic.  If you're in high school, check out an encyclopedia.

I hope this helps, please let me know if you need anything else.

Thanks,
Heidi

Answer
Ashley,
I apologize for that... teach me to scan a question! :)  

Content theory is not so much just one theory, but a group of theories that looks at the needs which motivate people.

Content theory does indeed go hand in hand with needs theory, in that contact theory stresses the analysis of the underlying human need.  This idea is very contemporary in thinking.  It encompasses not just the hierarchy of needs theory, but also ERG theory, Two-Factor theory, and acquired needs theory (These are just three main ones).

In my opinion, the content theory is the general name of theories which the needs theory is included in.  (If that makes any sense).

Let me know if you need anything else.

Thanks,
Heidi