Which theory suggests that people dislike work and need to be led?

The theory that suggests people dislike work and need to be led is Theory X. Developed by Douglas McGregor in the 1960s, Theory X posits that employees inherently dislike work and will avoid it if possible. This perspective assumes that individuals are primarily motivated by external rewards and require control and supervision to perform their tasks effectively. Leaders who adhere to Theory X generally believe that strict oversight, direction, and the use of rewards or punishments will yield productivity, as they view their workforce as needing management intervention to achieve organizational goals.

In contrast, other theories such as Theory Y and Theory Z present a more optimistic view of human nature. Theory Y suggests that people find work to be as natural as play and require autonomy to be most productive, while Theory Z combines elements from both Theory X and Theory Y, emphasizing long-term employment and collective decision-making. Theory A is less commonly discussed and doesn't have a widely-accepted definition in management theory. This context helps to clarify the significance of Theory X in the field of business leadership and management practices.