Which of the following describes Theory X?

Theory X is a concept that was developed by Douglas McGregor in the 1960s to describe a particular view of employee motivation and behavior. According to Theory X, managers assume that workers are inherently lazy, lack ambition, and need to be closely supervised in order to perform effectively. This perspective suggests that workers are not motivated by the work itself and require external incentives, such as rewards or supervision, to ensure that they meet their performance requirements.

The correct choice articulates this viewpoint by indicating that workers require supervision and incentives, reflecting the underlying belief of Theory X that individuals are not self-motivated and need direction and external pressures to fulfill their roles effectively. This contrasts with Theory Y, which posits that workers are intrinsically motivated and prefer to take on challenging tasks and responsibilities without the constant need for supervision.

Engaging with Theory X provides insights into traditional management styles that emphasize control and structured environments but may overlook the potential for motivating employees through autonomy and intrinsic satisfaction found in more modern management approaches.