In a Theory X management approach, supervisors blame efficiency failures on individual employees rather than on the systems or policies in place.

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Theory X is a management approach in which managers assume that most employees dislike work and are not naturally self-directed. Managers using this approach expect employees to prefer being led, told what tasks to perform and when, and watched closely enough to ensure organizational goals are met. Theory X managers may also suspect that employee behavior is driven by selfish motives such as pay.

Theory X

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Based on the scenario provided, explain how the manager's actions and underlying beliefs align with a management approach that assumes employees are inherently lazy, avoid responsibility, and are motivated primarily by self-interest.

Managerial Style Analysis

Theory X Attribution of Failures to Individual Employees

In a Theory X management approach, managerial goals are achieved through punishments and threats rather than enticements and rewards.

Theory X Reliance on Punishments Over Rewards

In Theory X workplaces, employees are often required to record arrival and departure times, and lateness is punished.

Theory X Timekeeping and Tardiness Controls

In Theory X workplaces, supervisors decide whether an employee must stay late, and that decision may require approval from a higher level in the chain of command.

Theory X Supervisor-Controlled Overtime

Theory X supervisors disregard employee suggestions for improving efficiency and reprimand employees for speaking out of order.

Theory X Dismissal of Employee Efficiency Suggestions

Theory X managers pursue goals through punishments and threats rather than through enticements and rewards.

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