Which theory describes public sector workers?

Media propaganda about public sector workers not knowing the meaning of real work and counting time until they receive their ‘gold-plated pensions’ has reminded me of McGregor’s theory X and theory Y. This theory is one of the basics of management theory and was originally proposed in his book 'The Human Side Of Enterprise', published 52 years ago. I can’t recall, when learning about this theory, ever noticing the name of the book. I do however find it quite appropriate when, in Probation, we are embracing the commercial approach. In other words, we are encouraging our staff to be enterprising and innovative.

This is against a backdrop of poor public perception of public sector workers, perpetuated by the government and the media. Added to this, we have to demonstrate our value and worth and why we can deliver better services than most of our private sector (potential) competitors in an environment full of rules and restrictions, many of which do not apply to the private sector. Sounds to me like rules and a reputation to match in line with theory X. Just to remind us:

Workforce according to theory X:

Lazy and work shy

Need to be directed

Only work for fear of punishment

Need punitive and restrictive supervision

Workforce according to theory Y:

Find the desire to work natural

Take pride in their work

Accept and/or seek responsibility

Use imagination and creativity

Can be trusted.

I could dissect each of the above statements, but what I want to say is as follows. In my experience most of the colleagues I have worked with, and the workforces in the organisations I have known well (and currently) behave like theory Y and respond best to theory Y leadership. Most public sector workers have a strong sense of vocation, whether they work in service user facing roles or in essential corporate support – I will never use the belittling phrase ‘back office’. (A topic for a future blog.)

Of course, there is theory X and theory Y leadership and workforce behaviour everywhere. Leadership, business strategy and organisational processes affect behaviour and performance, not whether it is a public or private sector organisation. However, I firmly believe that theory Y based behaviour towards public sector organisations and their workers by those in power and the media would be the most positive way forward. It would certainly inspire us to use our natural creativity to find solutions in a positive way when we have an imperative to make less go further.