Which concept states that the average person dislikes work and avoids it if possible?

The concept that states the average person dislikes work and avoids it if possible is rooted in Theory X, which was developed by Douglas McGregor in the 1960s. Theory X posits that employees inherently prefer to avoid responsibility, lack ambition, and require external control and direction to perform effectively. This perspective reflects a somewhat pessimistic view of human motivation, suggesting that, without management intervention, individuals would not be driven to work or would do the bare minimum to get by.

In contexts such as organizational behavior and management, Theory X emphasizes the necessity for authoritative management styles to motivate workers. Managers who adhere to this theory often implement strict rules and close supervision, believing that these methods are necessary to ensure productivity because they assume that employees are inherently discontent with their roles unless coerced into performing their duties.

This viewpoint contrasts with other theories such as Theory Y, which suggests that people are inherently self-motivated and find satisfaction in their work. The other concepts listed—Theory Z, Participative Theory, and Transformational Leadership—focus on different aspects of management and employee engagement, advocating for participation, collaboration, or a more inspirational approach to leadership, which are all distinct from the premise of Theory X.