Final answer:
Organizational behavior, which takes into account the complexity of human behavior in the workplace, beyond what earlier human relations approaches recognized.
Step-by-step explanation:
The approach in management that acknowledges the complex nature of human behavior, beyond what human relationists recognized, is b. Organizational behavior. Organizational behavior is an interdisciplinary field that combines theory and methods from various fields to understand how individuals and groups work within organizations. It goes beyond the simplicity of human relations and encompasses a wide range of topics, including motivation, leadership styles, team dynamics, and organizational culture, among others.
Theory X and Theory Y as proposed by Douglas McGregor offer two distinct views on employee motivation and management style. Theory X aligns with an autocratic management style, assuming that employees naturally dislike work and need to be strictly controlled and coerced to be productive. Conversely, Theory Y suggests that people can be self-directed and creative at work if properly motivated. Organizational behavior takes these theories further by examining how these and other factors interact to affect workplace dynamics and organizational effectiveness.
By embracing the complexity of human interactions, organizational behavior seeks to develop more nuanced and effective management practices designed to boost productivity while also considering employee satisfaction and organizational health.