Final answer:
Theory X managers view employees as individuals who wish to avoid responsibility and are inherently unenthusiastic about work, which requires a management approach based on close supervision and a system of rewards and punishments.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Douglas McGregor's Theory X, managers view employees as preferring to avoid responsibility, having an inherent dislike for work, and lacking the drive to seek responsibility or challenges without oversight. Theory X managers believe employees must be closely supervised and motivated through a system of rewards and punishments, often leading to a strict, control-oriented work environment. This view contrasts sharply with Theory Y, which posits that employees are naturally self-motivated, seek responsibility, and view work as a natural and fulfilling part of life, thereby requiring a more participative management style that involves employees in decision-making and relies on self-direction as a source of motivation.