IREM Certified Property Manager (CPM) Practice Test 2026 - Free CPM Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is Theory X, which is based on the premise that employees have an inherent dislike for work and therefore require supervision and direction to motivate them. This management style suggests that workers need to be closely monitored and controlled to ensure that they fulfill their responsibilities and meet performance expectations.

Theory X is often contrasted with Theory Y, which posits that employees can be self-motivated and enjoy their work, believing that they will take initiative and seek responsibility when they feel trusted and valued. In participatory management, employees are actively involved in decision-making processes, reflecting a more collaborative approach. Autocratic management, while characterized by a high degree of control by the manager, doesn't specifically reflect the assumption about employees' attitudes toward work that Theory X does.

Understanding these distinctions helps illuminate why Theory X is centered on the belief in directing and controlling employee behavior to maintain productivity, highlighting the foundational beliefs regarding human motivation in the workplace.