Age Related Preferences of Leadership Style: Testing McGregor’s Theory X and Y

Abstract

In a today’s ageing world, where companies are facing an increasing share of older employees, it has become essential to understand the preferences and potential of this emerging group of workers. The focus of this research is to identify the age related preferences of leadership using Theory X and Theory Y developed by Douglas McGregor. The results suggest that the majority of employees prefer Theory Y management style over the Theory X style. Regardless of the age of employees, evidence shows that the results were in favour of Y Theory management style. In addition results capture the reflection of the preferred leadership style in relations to turnover, trust and job satisfaction of employees.