Question

What view do Theory Y managers tend to take of their people?

A) They view employees as inherently lazy and unreliable.
B) They have a positive view of employee motivation and creativity.
C) They believe in micromanagement.
D) They favor a strict hierarchical organizational structure

Answer 1

Theory Y managers view employees as self-motivated, responsible, and seeking fulfillment from work. They support a collaborative environment where employees have a say in decision-making and goal setting, which is a shift from the traditional hierarchical structure associated with Theory X.

Step-by-step explanation:

Theory Y managers have a progressive view of their people, seeing them as self-motivated and responsible individuals capable of seeking personal and professional fulfillment through their work. Unlike the restrictive and top-down approach of Theory X, Theory Y management encourages employee participation in decision-making and goal setting, fostering a more collaborative and less hierarchical organizational structure.

Leadership in Theory Y is characterized by trust in employees, considering their input on efficiency and safety, and consulting them on changes to work processes or management systems, much like the practices at Toyota where employees can stop production lines to address issues. Moreover, Theory Y is indicative of modern trends where flat organizational structures are more common, and traditional hierarchies are being reassessed. The transformational leadership style aligns with Theory Y, where leaders empower and inspire their teams, as opposed to the transactional approach that uses a system of rewards and punishments typical in Theory X.