Which statement best describes Theory X?

• A. Employees are inherently lazy and require close supervision
• B. Employees seek recognition and praise
• C. Employees are self-actualizing
• D. Employees are motivated by growth

Answer: (A)

Theory X represents a management view that assumes workers inherently dislike work and must be coerced, controlled, and closely supervised to perform. This is why the statement that employees are inherently lazy and require close supervision is the best description of Theory X. Managers holding this view tend to rely on authoritarian leadership, tight rules, monitoring, and external motivators like punishments or rewards to ensure productivity.

The other ideas touch on more positive or different perspectives: seeking recognition and praise aligns more with intrinsic motivation and a view of workers as capable of self-direction; self-actualizing points to Maslow’s higher-level needs and a belief that people strive to realize their potential; motivation by growth corresponds with theories that emphasize opportunities for development and empowerment, closer to Theory Y than Theory X.