According to Theory Y, how do people generally feel about work?

Theory Y, developed by Douglas McGregor, suggests that people generally view work as a natural part of their lives and are motivated to work under the right conditions. This theory posits that employees are self-motivated, enjoy taking on responsibilities, and seek opportunities for personal growth and development within their roles. Under this framework, individuals tend to feel a sense of ownership and commitment to their tasks, indicating a willingness to not only engage in their work but also to self-direct their efforts towards achieving goals.

This conceptualization highlights the belief that when employees are given appropriate autonomy and trust, they will naturally gravitate towards productivity and innovation. Theory Y contrasts sharply with Theory X, which assumes that employees dislike work and will avoid it if possible. Therefore, the option suggesting that people are willing to work and often self-direct aligns perfectly with the foundational principles of Theory Y.