Two shape memory steels of the types Fe-31Mn-6Si and Fe-18Mn-8Cr-5Ni-5Si have been used for the experimental study of the transformation plasticity associated in these steels with the martensitic transformation γ(fcc) → ε(hcp). This study shows that austenitic samples, submitted to small bending stresses, show transformation plasticity on cooling. The formation of oriented ε martensite and the volume change between the primary and the transformed phases are responsible for this behaviour. In Fe-Mn-Si types of steel, transformation plasticity is reversible by a mechanism of shape memory. In contrast with TRIP steels, the plastic strain in the steels studied disappears on heating. The degree of shape recovery depends on the type of steel and on the fact that the stress is maintained or released. In both cases, effects relative to stress induced martensite reversion are observed.