Which statement best describes Theory X assumptions about employees?

Which statement best describes Theory X assumptions about employees?

• A. They avoid work, are unmotivated, dislike working, require supervision, and must be enticed to work
• B. They are self-motivated, seek responsibility, and require little supervision
• C. They prefer empowerment and autonomous problem solving
• D. They rely on intrinsic motivation and collaboration

Answer: (A)

Theory X assumes that employees are inherently lazy, lack ambition, and need close supervision and external motivation. They tend to avoid work and must be enticed or coerced to perform, with managers relying on control, direction, and tangible incentives to get results. The statement described captures this view by saying they avoid work, are unmotivated, dislike working, require supervision, and must be enticed to work. This aligns with the traditional view of how to manage people under Theory X. In contrast, the other descriptions reflect Theory Y or more modern perspectives, which see people as self-motivated, willing to take responsibility, and able to work autonomously or collaboratively with less direct supervision and with intrinsic motivation.

Theory X assumes that employees are inherently lazy, lack ambition, and need close supervision and external motivation. They tend to avoid work and must be enticed or coerced to perform, with managers relying on control, direction, and tangible incentives to get results. The statement described captures this view by saying they avoid work, are unmotivated, dislike working, require supervision, and must be enticed to work. This aligns with the traditional view of how to manage people under Theory X. In contrast, the other descriptions reflect Theory Y or more modern perspectives, which see people as self-motivated, willing to take responsibility, and able to work autonomously or collaboratively with less direct supervision and with intrinsic motivation.