What is a key characteristic of the leadership style known as Theory Z?

Theory Z, developed by William Ouchi, emphasizes teamwork and collective responsibility as a key characteristic of its leadership style. This approach prioritizes the well-being and engagement of employees, encouraging a sense of belonging and community within the workplace. By promoting teamwork, organizations that adopt Theory Z aim to foster collaboration, enhance communication, and build strong relationships among team members, which contributes to higher job satisfaction and productivity.

The other options do not align with the core principles of Theory Z. High employee turnover is typically counterproductive to the objectives of this leadership style, which seeks to create stability and long-term employment. A strict hierarchy contradicts the collaborative nature of Theory Z, as it tends to stifle open communication and teamwork. Finally, individualism is not a focus of Theory Z; instead, the theory advocates for a more collective approach to work and decision-making, reinforcing the idea that employees should work closely together towards shared goals.