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Formal theories of organization have been taught in management courses for many years, and there is an extensive literature on the subject. The textbook principles of organization — hierarchical structure, authority, unity of command, task specialization, division of staff and line, span of control, equality of responsibility and authority, etc. — comprise a logically persuasive set of assumptions which have had a profound influence upon managerial behavior.

— Douglas McGregor The Human Side of Enterprise (1960)

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More quotes by Douglas McGregor

Classical organization theory suffers from "ethnocentrism": It ignores the significance of the political, social, and economic milieu in shaping organizations and influencing managerial practice.

The Human Side of Enterprise (1960)

Behind every managerial decision or action are assumptions about human nature and human behavior.

The Human Side of Enterprise (1960)

Man will exercise self-direction and self-control in the service of objectives to which he is committed.

The Human Side of Enterprise (1960)

The average human being has an inherent dislike of work and will avoid it if he can.

The Human Side of Enterprise (1960)

The key question for top management is what are your assumptions (implicit as well as explicit) about the most effective way to manage people?

The Human Side of Enterprise (1960)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Douglas McGregor (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.