Which theory focuses on employee loyalty and well-being, popularized in the 1980s?

Theory Z emphasizes employee loyalty, well-being, and a holistic approach to management, which became popularized in the 1980s through the work of William Ouchi. This theory suggests that organizations can foster better performance and increased employee satisfaction by promoting a strong company culture that values trust, teamwork, and long-term employment. Unlike the more traditional approaches that often focus solely on productivity and profit, Theory Z advocates for practices such as collective decision-making, open communication, and an environment where employees are encouraged to take an active role in the development of the organization.

The theory stands in contrast to Theory X and Theory Y, which primarily focus on the perception of employees in relation to their motivation and management's assumptions about them. Equity Theory, on the other hand, deals with fairness and perceptions of input-output balance in professional relationships rather than the broader cultural and relational aspects emphasized by Theory Z. Thus, Theory Z's focus on employee commitment and well-being aligns with the specific characteristics sought in the question.