Which theory assumes that people generally lazy and will avoid work and responsibilities ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
Theory X is one of the two contrasting management models proposed by Douglas McGregor in his 1960 book, The Human Side of Enterprise. Theory X is rooted in a fundamentally pessimistic and traditional view of the workforce, directly asserting that the average human being possesses an inherent dislike of work and will avoid it whenever and wherever possible. Consequently, the theory assumes that most people must be controlled, coerced, and even threatened with punishment to get them to put forth the necessary effort toward organizational objectives. Furthermore, the Theory X view dictates that employees lack ambition, actively avoid responsibility, and prioritize job security over all other factors, necessitating an autocratic, hands-on, and highly supervised management style.

The incorrect option is 1:
Theory Y, also proposed by McGregor, represents the optimistic counterpoint to Theory X. It operates on the assumption that the expenditure of physical and mental effort in work is as natural as play or rest, directly contradicting the idea that people are inherently lazy. Theory Y posits that employees are self-motivated, can exercise self-direction and self-control, and actively seek responsibility when they are committed to organizational goals. This theory, therefore, advocates for a participative management style where trust, empowerment, and creativity are emphasized.

The incorrect option is 2:
Theory P is not a widely recognized or established major motivational theory in organizational behaviour or management studies. Major theories in this domain include Theory X, Theory Y, Theory Z, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory. Its inclusion among the options serves only as a distracter.

The incorrect option is 3:
Theory Z is a management philosophy introduced by William Ouchi, adapting a blend of American and Japanese management styles. This theory emphasizes long-term employment, slow career advancement, consensus-based decision-making, and holistic concern for employee welfare. Theory Z does not assume that workers are lazy; instead, it presumes that fostering a strong corporate culture of trust and collective responsibility will naturally lead to high productivity and engagement.