ABSTRACT
Chris Argyris's work on the relationship between organizations and individuals transcended contradictions between earlier theories. It is worth briefly examining these earlier approaches, known respectively as Theory X and Theory Y. Theory X was first put forward by the famous founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. It essentially posits that people are idle, avoid responsibility, and will only work to gain security through monetary payment. Theory Y suggests that individuals go to work of their own accord because work is the only way they can satisfy their needs for achievement and self-respect. The oppositional nature of Theories X and Y had been synthesized through Theory Z, put forward by psychologist Abraham Maslow. Theory Z represents a humanistic approach to management. Proponents of Theory Z suggest that common cultural values should promote greater commitment among employees to the organization. The originality of Chris Argyris's work "The Individual and Organization: Some Problems of Mutual Adjustment" remains undisputed by social scientists.
