Mc Gregor in his celebrated text, The Human Side of the Enterprise has given his famous "theoretical assumptions". Which of the following are the correct assumptions?
A. The average human being, with relatively little ambition, prefers to be directed and wishes to avoid responsibility. Security is the main concern
B. The average human being learns under proper conditions not only to accept but to seek responsibility
C. The average human being has an innate antipathy to work, which he will avoid, if he can
D. "Best management is a true science"
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

Douglas McGregor's theory, outlined in The Human Side of the Enterprise, presents two contrasting sets of assumptions about human nature and management, known as Theory X and Theory Y. These assumptions shape managerial styles:
· A. The average human being, with relatively little ambition, prefers to be directed and wishes to avoid responsibility. Security is the main concern: This is an assumption of Theory X, which posits that people are inherently lazy, avoid responsibility, and need to be controlled.
· B. The average human being learns under proper conditions not only to accept but to seek responsibility: This assumption aligns with Theory Y, which argues that, given the right conditions, people can become motivated, responsible, and seek challenges.
· C. The average human being has an innate antipathy to work, which he will avoid, if he can: This is another Theory X assumption, which suggests that people naturally avoid work and must be coerced or controlled to perform.
Option D is incorrect because McGregor did not describe management as a "true science." His work focused on psychological and social assumptions, particularly the contrasting views of human behavior in Theory X (authoritarian) and Theory Y (democratic).
Information Booster:
1. Theory X: Assumes that workers are inherently lazy, avoid responsibility, and require strict supervision. It favors a more authoritarian management style.
2. Theory Y: Assumes that workers are self-motivated, seek responsibility, and can be creative under the right conditions, advocating for a more participative and empowering management style.
3. Motivation and Responsibility: Theory Y emphasizes that, under the right conditions, individuals not only accept responsibility but actively seek it.
4. Impact on Management Styles: McGregor's theories significantly influenced management practices by encouraging a shift from rigid control (Theory X) to empowering employees (Theory Y).
5. Management Flexibility: Theory Y encourages flexible leadership, promoting collaboration, and intrinsic motivation rather than control.
6. Human Potential: McGregor’s Theory Y is more optimistic about human potential and advocates creating environments where employees feel engaged and responsible.
Additional Information:
· A (Little ambition, prefers direction): Correct, it aligns with Theory X, which views individuals as preferring security and avoiding responsibility.
· B (Learning to seek responsibility): Correct, it reflects Theory Y, where employees can become self-motivated and responsible under the right conditions.
· C (Innate antipathy to work): Correct, it corresponds to Theory X, assuming people avoid work naturally unless compelled.
· D ("Best management is a true science"): Incorrect, as McGregor did not advocate that management is purely scientific but instead emphasized human psychological and social factors.