Which of the following can be a comment made by a manager having McGregor’s Theory X perspective?

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First, let's restate the question and options to ensure clarity about what is being evaluated.
Question: Which of the following can be a comment made by a manager having McGregor’s Theory X perspective?
Options:
 a. The more motivated our staff are, the less we need to monitor them.
 b. Our workers do as little work as possible for as much money as possible.
 c. Giving extra responsibility to workers shows you appreciate what they can do.
 d. We reward staff for their commitment to the job.

Now, evaluate each option in light of Theory X assumptions:
Option a: This statement suggests high levels of self-motivation reduce the need for supervision. Under Theory X, managers view employees as inherently lazy and needing constant control; this option incorrectly implies employees are self-motivated and require less monitoring, which contradicts Theory X thinking. Additionally, this would imply a positive relationship between motivation and oversight, which is not typical in a Theory X view.
Option b: This line explicitly portrays workers as primarily driven by money and willing to do the minimum work for maximum pay. It aligns with Theory X’s assumption that employees are unmotivated, avoid work when possible, and require tight supervision and control to ensure performance. The characterization of minimal effort for maximum compensation fits the Theory X mindset.
Option c: Giving extra responsibility to workers implies trust, empowerment, and recognition of capability. Such a statement reflects Theory Y assumptions, which view people as self-motivated, seeking growth, and capable of assuming responsibility with the right conditions. Therefore, this would not be typical of Theory X.
Option d: Rewarding staff for commitment to the job centers on extrinsic reinforcement to encourage performance, which is not inherently incompatible with Theory X, but the focus on commitment as a reward system without mentioning monitoring or supervision does not directly capture Theory X’s core emphasis on control, supervision, and the assumption of laziness. It is more neutral and could be seen in different management styles, but it does not epitomize the typical X perspective as clearly as option b.

In summary, option b most closely reflects Theory X’s view of workers as entities that do as little as possible for the maximum monetary reward, requiring close oversight. The other choices diverge from Theory X's core assumptions: option a overstates natural motivation to self-regulate, option c aligns with Theory Y, and option d is more about reward practices without directly demonstrating the control-centric view that Theory X embodies.

Which of the following can be a comment made by a manager having McGregor’s Theory X perspective?

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