Douglas McGregor believed that the true nature of workers was captured by _________.

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Multiple Choice

Douglas McGregor believed that the true nature of workers was captured by _________.

The statement tests the view of how people naturally behave at work. McGregor argued that workers can be trusted to be self-directed and to take initiative, provided they are offered meaningful work, responsibility, and opportunities to grow. This positive outlook is captured in Theory Y assumptions, which see people as inherently motivated, capable of self-control, and eager to contribute creatively when the work environment supports them. That’s why Theory Y best describes the true nature of workers in his framework. Contrast helps: Theory X portrays workers as naturally lazy and needing constant supervision, which leads to controlling management. The Hawthorne findings focus on how social factors and attention affect performance, not a formal theory about workers’ intrinsic nature. Scientific Management focuses on efficiency and control through standardization and oversight, not on workers’ inherent motivations.

The statement tests the view of how people naturally behave at work. McGregor argued that workers can be trusted to be self-directed and to take initiative, provided they are offered meaningful work, responsibility, and opportunities to grow. This positive outlook is captured in Theory Y assumptions, which see people as inherently motivated, capable of self-control, and eager to contribute creatively when the work environment supports them. That’s why Theory Y best describes the true nature of workers in his framework.

Contrast helps: Theory X portrays workers as naturally lazy and needing constant supervision, which leads to controlling management. The Hawthorne findings focus on how social factors and attention affect performance, not a formal theory about workers’ intrinsic nature. Scientific Management focuses on efficiency and control through standardization and oversight, not on workers’ inherent motivations.

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