A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THEORY Z AND THE PERMA MODEL : NEW PERSPECTIVES ON ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Authors

  • Thanat Atthiwatthana Faculty of Business Administration, Rajapruk University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64186/jsp1832%20

Keywords:

Theory Z, PERMA model, organizational development, human resource management, organizational flourishing

Abstract

        This academic article presents a comparative analysis between Theory Z and the PERMA model to offer a new perspective on organizational development in the 21st century. It highlights that modern organizations face the challenge of balancing performance and employee well-being. The author presents: 1) the main concepts of Theory Z, 2) the key components of the PERMA model, 3) a comparative analysis of the strengths and limitations of both concepts, 4) ways to integrate Theory Z and the PERMA model for organizational development, and 5) case studies of the application of the integrated concepts in modern organizations.  Theory Z focuses on fostering long-term commitment between the organization and employees, participatory decision-making, and the development of diverse skills, while the PERMA model emphasizes individual flourishing through five elements: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. The comparative analysis reveals that both concepts have strengths that complement each other. Theory Z provides a clear management framework, while the PERMA model focuses on enhancing personal happiness and flourishing.  This article proposes an approach to integrate both concepts to create an efficient organization that promotes employee well-being. It suggests strategies for human resource development that focus on both performance outcomes and individual growth, creating a culture that fosters participation and commitment, and developing a comprehensive performance evaluation system that encompasses both work performance and employee well-being. The knowledge presented in this article will be valuable for managers and human resource developers in designing organizational development strategies that address the challenges of the 21st century.

 

References

Aithal, S., & Kumar, S. (2016). Comparative analysis of Theory X, Theory Y, Theory Z, and Theory A for managing people and performance. International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Education, 1(1), 803–812.

Aydin, O. T. (2012). The impact of Theory X, Theory Y and Theory Z on research performance: An empirical study from a Turkish university. International Journal of Advances in Management and Economics, 1(5), 24–30.*

Chantathanont, N. (2022). Case study: Organizational commitment and work happiness of full-time employees in a pharmaceutical company [Master’s thesis, Mahidol University]. Mahidol University Institutional Repository.

England, G. W. (1983). Japanese and American management: Theory Z and beyond. Journal of International Business Studies, 14(2), 131–142. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8490522

Lertpittayakun, P. (2022). The influence between work factors, work-life balance, and stress of Generation Y private employees in Bangkok [Master’s thesis, Srinakharinwirot University]. Srinakharinwirot University Institutional Repository.

Ouchi, W. G. (1981). Theory Z: How American management can meet the Japanese challenge. Addison-Wesley.

Ouchi, W. G. (1984). The M-Form society: How American teamwork can recapture the competitive edge. Addison-Wesley.

Ouchi, W. G. (2003). Making schools work: A revolutionary plan to get your children the education they need. Simon and Schuster.

Ouchi, W. G. (2009). The secret of TSL: The revolutionary discovery that raises school performance. Simon and Schuster.

Panthong, K., Pradujprom, P., & Hantayung, J. (2018). A comparison of construct validity of PERMA theory happiness measurement, Thai mental health indicator, and Thai happiness measurement [Master’s thesis, Burapha University]. Burapha University Institutional Repository.

Positive Psychology. (2017, April 10). The PERMA model: Your scientific theory of happiness. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/perma-model/

Schoneman, P. H. (1985). Theory Z and school improvement [Graduate research paper, University of Northern Iowa]. https://scholarworks.uni.edu/grp/3247

Sunalai, S. (2023). Causal factors and outcomes of work-life balance among Generation Y information technology employees in private companies in Bangkok [Master’s thesis, Silpakorn University]. Silpakorn University Institutional Repository.

Supawadee, T. (2010). Theory Z organizations relating to Thai employees’ satisfaction in working life quality and overall organizational commitment in Bangkok metropolitan area [Master’s project, Srinakharinwirot University]. Srinakharinwirot University Institutional Repository.

Tanawattanakorn, C. (2015). Development of a talent engagement model in Thailand [Doctoral dissertation, National Institute of Development Administration]. NIDA Knowledge Center. https://repository.nida.ac.th/handle/662723737/5362

Thanat, A. (2024). PERMA theory: The key to organizational happiness. Journal of Social Studies Perspectives, 1(1), 78–88. https://so11.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/J_SSR/article/view/1070

Wilczyński, A., & Kołoszycz, E. (2023). Applying the PERMA model in employee wellbeing. e-mentor, 2(99), 39–46. https://doi.org/10.15219/em99.1605

Downloads

Published

2025-10-08

How to Cite

Atthiwatthana, T. (2025). A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THEORY Z AND THE PERMA MODEL : NEW PERSPECTIVES ON ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY. Journal of social studies perspectives, 1(6), 15 หน้า. https://doi.org/10.64186/jsp1832

Issue

Section

Academic article

Categories