If you believe people want to do better, to perform successfully, ...

[JMatthes]

If you believe people want to do better, to perform successfully, and to be contributors, what assumption do you make?
 
  A) Theory X assumption
  B) Theory Y assumption
  C) Theory Z assumption
  D) Stress-free supportive communication assumption

Question 2

You have just practiced descriptive communication to modify some problematic behavior. Your subordinate replies, I have an excuse ... it is not my fault. What should you do?
 
  A) Point out (without causing defensiveness) to your subordinate that it really doesn't matter if it is his/her fault; the problem still exists
  B) Keep trying to describe the problematic behavior until the subordinate understands
  C) Refocus the communication away from blame or fault toward counseling
  D) None of the above

[jaaaaaaa]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: B
Explanation: A) Incorrect. Theory X assumes that individuals should be mistrusted since it takes threats of punishment to motivate change. This belief is more typical of Theory Y.
B) Correct. And according to the textbook authors, few individuals are completely recalcitrant about wanting to improve, and few are completely unwilling to work on problem solving when they believe the communicator has their interest at heart.
C) Incorrect. McGregor posited a Theory X and a Theory Y, but Theory Z is not a known theory of motivation and employee behavior. This belief is typical of Theory Y.
D) Incorrect. Stress-free supportive communication assumption is not a known theory of motivation and employee behavior. This belief is typical of Theory Y.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: C
Explanation: A) Incorrect. This response abandons principles of descriptive communication by becoming defensive (it doesn't matter if the problem is the employee's fault).
B) Incorrect. This ignores important principles of supportive communication. It is disjunctive rather than conjunctive because it fails to focus on the subordinate's concerns.
C) Correct. When you are attempting to modify problematic behavior through descriptive communication and the subordinate displays defensiveness or a lack of concern, this becomes the new problem. The solution then is to refocus the conversation on the new problem.
D) Incorrect. When you are attempting to modify problematic behavior through descriptive communication and the subordinate displays defensiveness or a lack of concern, this becomes the new problem. The solution then is to refocus the conversation on the new problem.

[JMatthes]

Excellent

[scottmt]

TYSM