The relationship between Theory X/Y: assumptions and communication apprehension

Purpose – This study seeks to explore whether McGregor's Theory X/Y assumptions are related to managers’ communication apprehension (CA) – their degree of comfort when interacting with others. Design/methodology/approach – Surveys measuring Theory X/Y assumptions and CA were administered to 281 full‐time managers from divergent industries across the USA. Hypotheses were tested using correlations. Findings – Moderate scores on the Theory X scale were positively correlated with traitlike CA and CA in interpersonal contexts. Managers’ total and high scores on the Theory Y scale were negatively correlated with traitlike CA and CA in groups, interpersonal conversations, and meetings. Moderate scores on the Theory Y scale were positively correlated with CA in groups. Low scores on the Theory Y scale were positively correlated with traitlike CA and CA in interpersonal and public speaking settings. Originality/value – This study extends the broad landscape of literature on management communication. Findings deepen our understanding of how managers’ communicative dispositions are linked to their Theory X/Y assumptions.