Which statement aligns with Theory Y?

• A. Employees dislike work and avoid responsibility.
• B. Employees are lazy and require control.
• C. Employees must be coerced to perform.
• D. Employees are creative, enjoy work, seek responsibility, and can exercise self-direction.

Answer: (D)

Theory Y states that employees are creative, enjoy work, seek responsibility, and can exercise self-direction. The statement that describes people this way matches Theory Y precisely, recognizing that given the right environment, workers are motivated, capable of self-management, and willing to take initiative. This contrasts with Theory X, which portrays people as inherently lazy, disliking work, and needing coercion and close supervision. In practice, Theory Y supports empowering leadership, delegation, and participative decision-making, which fits well with a dynamic, digital workplace where autonomy and intrinsic motivation drive performance.