Attachment styles as predictors of supervisor theory X/Y orientation

This study investigated the relationship between adult attachment styles and McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y assumptions and the relationship between McGregor's Theory X and Y assumptions and gender. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between attachment styles and Theory X and Y orientation, specifically if the relationship was predictive, and if gender moderated Theory X and Y orientation. One hundred thirty-two first-line supervisors throughout the United States completed online surveys that measured adult attachment style, the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised Structure (ECR-RS) (Fraley, Heffernan, Vicary, & Brumbaugh, 2011), and Theory X and Y assumptions, the Theory X and Theory Y Inventory (Sager, 2008). Results generally hold the assertion that there is a link between supervisor's Theory X and Y assumptions and supervisor attachment styles; that attachment styles accounted for 20% of the variation in Theory Y orientation and 8% percent of the variation in Theory X orientation; and that gender did not have an effect on Theory X and Y orientation. The most revealing result was the disproportionately high number of supervisors in this sample classified as having a dismissive style (69%).