Barbara is the manager of textiles at a large department store in town. She runs a tight ship but is quick to reward her employees through economic incentives and public praise for a job well done. She communicates her goals and objectives for each of the employees once a week during departmental meetings. Yet, her employees complain that when they voice concerns or give input, Barbara responds to these complaints by saying that she is acting in the best interests of the organization and the employees. Barbara’s style most closely resembles which approach to management?

Based on the situation that is being illustrated in the question it seems that Barbara's style most closely resembles a human relations approach to management. This is because this approach focuses on forming work relationships with the employees and addressing their concerns as well as supporting and rewarding them for good performance, because it is believed that employees want to be part of a supportive team that focuses on personal and business growth. Which is what Barbara is doing by communicating with her employees regularly and making decisions based on the best interests of the organization as well as the employees.