Final answer:
The extensive use of work teams is most likely when employee involvement is a management goal, aligning with Theory Y management principles that encourage employee participation, autonomy, and creativity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The extensive use of work teams in an organization is most likely to occur under circumstances e. Employee involvement is a management goal. This is because the philosophy behind work teams aligns with the principles of Theory Y management, wherein employees are viewed as motivated and capable of seeking satisfaction and fulfillment from their work. Theory Y encourages a participative style of management where employees are involved in setting goals and are given the autonomy to decide how to achieve them. Successful work teams thrive in environments where there is a shared sense of purpose and employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and exercise creativity in their roles.
Democratic leadership styles, which support group participation in decision-making, and flat organizational structures, which move away from a rigid hierarchy, are often associated with an emphasis on employee involvement. A traditional hierarchy, which is characterized by centralized control and autocratic management (Theory X), tends to inhibit the formation and effectiveness of work teams due to strict control and limited employee autonomy.