Which of the following statements reflects Theory Y?

Theory Y, developed by Douglas McGregor, presents a more optimistic view of human motivation in the workplace, suggesting that employees are inherently self-motivated, responsible, and capable of creativity. It operates under the belief that, under the right conditions, individuals find satisfaction in their work and are willing to take initiative.

The correct answer emphasizes the idea that employees can indeed be responsible and creative, which aligns with Theory Y's premise that people seek meaningful work and can be trusted to fulfill their roles effectively without the need for stringent oversight. This perspective promotes a workplace culture that fosters collaboration, encourages participation in decision-making, and enhances job satisfaction.

In contrast, the other statements reflect a more negative viewpoint associated with Theory X, which asserts that employees generally dislike work and need to be closely supervised or controlled, as well as require constant external motivation. Therefore, the focus on responsibility and creativity in the correct statement aligns perfectly with the foundational principles of Theory Y, making it the best answer.