Which statement best defines Theory Y in leadership?

• A. Employees dislike work
• B. Employees like work and seek responsibility
• C. People must be kept in line
• D. Work is dangerous

Answer: (B)

Theory Y holds that work can be enjoyable and that people will seek out responsibility and exercise self-direction when they are motivated and trusted. The statement that employees like work and seek responsibility captures this view, making it the best fit for Theory Y. This contrasts with Theory X, which sees workers as generally avoiding work and needing to be coerced or tightly controlled. Embracing Theory Y leads to leadership that empowers people, delegates authority, and designs jobs to be meaningful, tapping intrinsic motivation rather than relying on strict supervision. In essence, Theory Y describes a positive, trust-based view of employees and the corresponding participative, developmental management approach.