McGregor's X-Y theory is a salutation and general reminder of the natural laws governing human beings, which are easily forgotten in the face of daily business pressures.

His ideas suggest that there are two basic ways to manage people:

Many managers lean towards Theory X and usually get bad results.

Enlightened managers use Theory Y which produces better performance and results and allows people to grow and develop.

McGregor's ideas relate significantly to the modern understanding of psychological agreement, which provides many ways to appreciate the intolerant nature of X-theory leadership and the effective constructive beneficial nature of Y-theory leadership.