What management theory aligns with offering incentives to increase attendance at staff enrichment events?

The correct answer is Principal-agent theory. This theory addresses situations in which one party (the agent) is entrusted to act on behalf of another party (the principal). In the context of healthcare management, this theory suggests that incentives can be used to align the interests of agents—such as employees or staff members—with those of the principals (such as the organization or management).

Offering incentives to encourage attendance at staff enrichment events can motivate employees to engage in behaviors that align with the organization’s goals. By effectively utilizing these incentives, management can influence the agent's actions to not only promote personal development but also to foster a culture of learning and improvement within the organization. This creates a win-win situation where the organization benefits from enhanced skills and knowledge among its staff, and employees feel valued and motivated.

The other theories, while each valuable in their own context, do not directly relate to the use of incentives in the same way. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs focuses on fulfilling individual needs in a hierarchical manner. Equity Theory emphasizes fairness and justice in social exchanges, which may not directly translate to incentive-based attendance. Behaviorism concentrates on observable behaviors and the conditioning of responses but does not specifically address the role of incentives in a principal-agent dynamic.