What principle drove McGregor's Theory X?

McGregor's Theory X is centered around the belief that employees inherently dislike work and will avoid it if they can. This perspective assumes that workers are primarily motivated by extrinsic factors such as financial rewards and require close supervision, direction, and control to perform effectively. Theory X characterizes a managerial approach that sees a need for a strong authoritarian leadership style, emphasizing oversight and intervention because of the underlying assumption that employees lack ambition and responsibility.

In contrast, the other options reflect more positive views of employee motivation and behavior. For instance, self-motivation, autonomy, and team independence suggest an environment typical of McGregor's Theory Y, which posits that employees are self-directed and beneficial when given responsibility and freedom in their work. This critical distinction highlights why option C aligns with the core tenets of Theory X, whereas the others do not reflect its underlying assumptions.