Who developed Theory X and Theory Y, and what does X represent?

• A. Frederick Taylor; X represents efficiency
• B. Mary Parker Follett; X represents participative management
• C. Douglas McGregor; X represents employees who are lazy and require constant supervision
• D. Peter Drucker; X represents risk aversion

Answer: (C)

Douglas McGregor developed Theory X and Theory Y. Theory X is the view that employees are inherently lazy, avoid work, and must be coerced or tightly supervised, requiring close oversight and external control. That is why X represents employees who are lazy and need constant supervision. In contrast, Theory Y suggests people are self-motivated, seek responsibility, and will work toward organizational aims if given the right conditions. The other figures mentioned contributed different management ideas—scientific management focusing on efficiency, participative management, or management by objectives—rather than the X–Y framework.