Critical Thinking Questions
Critical Thinking Questions
McGregor published Theory X and Theory Y over 30 years ago. Do we still have Theory X managers? Why?
Although McGregor theory was published for more than 30 years, this theory I believe is still very effective till this current date. Managers who set an example of theory X, tend to show a more negative view towards, there fellow co-workers/employees. It is a sense of the terminology “overpowered” sometimes even abuse of being in the managerial position…” using external means of controls, such as threats and punishment” (Lussier & Achua) Not always is it about managerial empowerment, they theory also states workers who do not like to work, must be closely supervised; in order to complete their work
Describe either a Theory X or Theory Y manager you have worked for.
A few years back when I lived in Toronto, Ontario, I applied at Toronto Lester B Pearson airport for any open position for an operations manager or even supervisor. Due to lack of experience within that field I was hired as operations agent. Recently had finished completing my commercial pilots license, I was fit for the job to examine the weight and balance and cargo loads. My manager however didn’t like the fact that I was a pilot, and thought that I was going around at my work place telling I was a pilot, but the truth of the matter was it was her telling everyone and creating gossip about I felt like I was better than everyone, this altercation had this one certain manager micro-manage, my work all the time, always commenting on my mistakes, and what I could and should do better. I let it go for the longest time and listening thinking maybe she is right but wasn’t the matter at all. She continued to micromanage me and kept complaining the way I worked and how it was improper, and event to the extent comment if I flew a plane the way I worked; people’s lives would in danger. Until one day I realized she was right, I am to good for this place, before the flight even landed I had looked at her and handed her my badge and said my sweet goodbye. After reading about this theory, I can claim my old manager a theory X 100%.
Do you believe that if you use ethical behavior it will pay off in the long run? Why?
In my opinion, I would say yes. If a leader can show an example on his or her people they strive for success, thus resulting an ethical person is more likely to become successful. Being Ethical can have it’s effects it can be hard but it has a rewarding side, it makes the person feel better, people who practice being ethical have a better lifestyle than others. “Honest people have fewer mental health and physical complaints, like anxiety and backpain and better social interactions. (Lussier & Achua 2016). Ethics also takes a major impact in larger organizations, in many cases companies have designated ethics officers who are responsible for creating standardized codes regarding too what is ethical and what is not.
Can ethics be taught and learned? Explain your answer.
Yes, ethics can be taught. Leadership success is based on personal traits, plus integrity. If you are not honest with employees or workers and take advantage they will not trust you. Teaching students how to become ethical from a young age, will definitely show when they are much older, behavior being one of major ethical teachings.
Describe an ethical situation in your career. What was the outcome?
A situation today took place 08/18/18 when my engine on my left wing pretty much failed the percentage came down to 47% from 85%. As my engine started to power down, my captain and I made an ethical decision to speak to each other in a non-panicked environment, and taking the situation under control and speaking in a proper matter and making decisions that was respectable to the flight situations, he and I agreed to the same decisions if the decision wasn’t met to an agreement it did not lead to an argument, and while we had to fly the environment remained safe and communications were established and maintained in a safe fashion. The outcome was a “thank god moment” walking away from the airplane with no damages, and our lives was enough to call it a day.
Reference:
Lussier, R. N., & Achua, C. F. (2016). Leadership: Theory, application, & skill development (6th ed.). Mason, Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning.
