Which motivational theory assumes employees are inherently lazy and require strict supervision and control?

• A. Bargaining
• B. Real-time access to project processes
• C. Theory X
• D. See-feel-change paradigm

Answer: (C)

Theory X describes a view of human motivation that assumes employees are inherently lazy, avoid work, and need strict supervision and control to perform. This leads managers to rely on close oversight, centralized decision-making, and external rewards or punishments to drive behavior. The question asks which theory embodies that assumption, and Theory X fits best because it directly states that workers require coercion and tight supervision rather than relying on internal motivation. By contrast, Theory Y contends that people are self-motivated, seek responsibility, and can self-direct when given the right environment, which is the opposite of the Theory X stance. The other options don’t represent motivation theories: bargaining is about negotiation dynamics, real-time access to project processes is a project management concept, and the see-feel-change paradigm relates to how people experience change rather than a theory of motivation.