Which theory proposes that employees enjoy work, seek responsibility, and can be motivated by rewards?

• A. McGregor's Theory X
• B. McGregor's Theory Y
• C. Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory
• D. Expectancy Theory

Answer: (B)

The idea tested here is how managers view motivation at work and what they expect from employees. Theory Y presents a positive view: people actually enjoy work, seek out responsibility, and can be motivated by rewards and meaningful incentives. It assumes that given the right conditions, people will be self-directed, curious, and motivated to contribute.

This contrasts with Theory X, which expects workers to be inherently lazy and to need control and coercion. Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory focuses on factors that cause satisfaction or dissatisfaction—hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction, while motivators can create satisfaction—but it doesn’t make the specific claim that people inherently enjoy work and seek responsibility. Expectancy Theory centers on the cognitive calculation that effort leads to performance and that performance will yield valued rewards, rather than asserting an intrinsic enjoyment of work or a desire for responsibility.

So, the statement best aligns with Theory Y. In practice, it supports empowering employees, offering meaningful responsibilities, and linking rewards to worthwhile outcomes.