Question

Gerard is a mid-level manager who believes that people do not like work and try to avoid it. He therefore controls, directs, and coerces employees to get them to work toward organizational goals. Which of the following is true of Gerard?

1) His actions are based on the principles of the human relations movement.
2) He follows the principles of the quantitative management perspective.
3) He is a Theory Y manager.
4) He is a Theory X manager.

Answer 1

Gerard's management style matches that of a Theory X manager, which is characterized by the belief that employees inherently dislike work and require strict supervision and control to achieve organizational goals.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gerard is a mid-level manager who exhibits a tendency to control, direct, and coerce employees to get work done, which aligns with the characteristics of a Theory X manager. According to Douglas McGregor's Theory X, managers believe employees naturally dislike work and would avoid it if possible, requiring supervision and controls to achieve organizational goals. Therefore, Gerard is definitely not a Theory Y manager, who would encourage participation, assume that employees find satisfaction in work, and believe people are self-motivated. Gerard's approach is also not based on the principles of the human relations movement, which advocated for more consideration of workers' social needs, nor does it align with the quantitative management perspective, which leverages mathematical models to improve decision-making and efficiency.

Answer 2

Gerard is a mid-level manager who actions demonstrate he is a Theory X manager, believing that people are naturally averse to work and must be tightly controlled.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gerard is a mid-level manager who subscribes to an outdated management theory.

Given his belief that employees inherently dislike work and need to be coerced and controlled to meet organizational goals, Gerard exemplifies a Theory X manager.

This theory posits that associates are generally unmotivated, require strict oversight, and their efforts must be directed through a system of control and punishment to achieve corporate objectives.

Contrarily, a Theory Y manager believes that employees are self-motivated, seek fulfillment in their work, and respond better to autonomy and opportunities for personal growth within the company.

This management style is more participative and encourages employee input in decision-making processes.

In conclusion, the correct answer is that Gerard is a Theory X manager (Option 4).