What key assumption underlies Scientific Management regarding human nature?

The key assumption underlying Scientific Management is that people are primarily driven by economic incentives. This perspective was developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor in the early 20th century, where he posited that individuals are motivated to work harder and more efficiently by the promise of higher wages and financial rewards. Taylor believed that by optimizing work processes and establishing clear standards, organizations could not only increase productivity but also ensure that workers would be motivated to meet those standards in exchange for better compensation.

This focus on economic incentives reflects a more mechanical view of human behavior, suggesting that financial rewards are a primary motivator for performance. The application of this principle has influenced various management practices aimed at enhancing productivity by linking pay to output and creating systems that encourage efficiency through financial motivation.

In contrast, the other choices represent different views on human motivation and behavior that are not aligned with the tenets of Scientific Management. For instance, the emphasis on creativity, collaboration, or autonomy does not reflect Taylor's main principles, which center around standardization, efficiency, and economic rewards as the primary drivers of worker behavior in an industrial context.