If management believes employees dislike work and must be directed, which theory is being implied?

• A. Theory X
• B. Morale
• C. Employee Complaint Procedure
• D. Theory Y

Answer: (A)

This reflects McGregor’s Theory X, which assumes that employees dislike work and must be directed. Under Theory X, managers expect people to avoid responsibility, need close supervision, and require external controls such as rigid supervision, directions, and rewards or punishments to ensure performance. The belief that workers inherently resist work leads to an authoritative management style where direction and control are central.

Theory Y, in contrast, holds that work can be natural and engaging, with people seeking responsibility and capable of self-direction and motivation from within. The other options aren’t theories about how managers view employees: one is about employee morale, a mood or attitude topic, and the other is a process for handling employee complaints.