Which of the following statements best describes the attitudes of an old-style manager? Most people wish to avoid responsibility, have little ambition, and want security. Managers should tap into employee creativity and mind power. Employees will contribute to organizational goals when given the opportunity. Employees will exercise self-direction and self-control when given the opportunity.

The correct answer is: Most people wish to avoid responsibility, have little ambition, and want security.

Explanation:

This type of management thinking responds to the early theories of management, more especially to the classical theories of organization. These theories were devoted to the superior's authority, objectives, rules and, economic activities. They organized men and materials for achieving objectives for their benefits, characterized by a large and complex atmosphere with impersonal detachment from human resources.

The motivation of workers were purely by bonus and monetary benefits. The general idea was that workers were inspired to perform the job if they are paid according to their contributions. Workers are considered economic beings. Man was considered a rational and not an emotional being. It assumes that man wants only money, and this assumption provides the maximum opportunity to exploit employees. The idea that people avoid responsibility is due to the hierarchy and chain of command, the responsibility of the work rests on the superior.