Hawthorne Studies

Definition

The Hawthorne studies were a series of experiments conducted in the 1920s and 1930s at the Hawthorne plant of the Western Electric Company in Chicago. These studies aimed to investigate the effects of various environmental and social factors on worker productivity and morale, pioneering the field of organizational behavior research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hawthorne studies challenged the prevailing assumption that worker productivity was solely determined by physical working conditions.
2. The researchers found that worker productivity increased when they were the focus of attention, regardless of the changes made to their work environment.
3. The Hawthorne effect, a term coined from these studies, refers to the tendency of people to modify their behavior when they know they are being observed.
4. The studies highlighted the importance of social factors, such as group dynamics and leadership, in influencing worker motivation and performance.
5. The findings from the Hawthorne studies led to a shift in management practices, emphasizing the human relations approach to organizational management.

Review Questions

• Explain the key findings of the Hawthorne studies and how they challenged the prevailing assumptions about worker productivity.
  • The Hawthorne studies found that worker productivity increased when they were the focus of attention, regardless of the changes made to their physical work environment. This challenged the prevailing assumption that worker productivity was solely determined by factors like lighting, break times, or other tangible working conditions. The studies highlighted the importance of social factors, such as group dynamics and leadership, in influencing worker motivation and performance, leading to a shift in management practices towards a more human relations approach.
• Describe the Hawthorne effect and its significance in the context of the Hawthorne studies.
  • The Hawthorne effect, a term coined from the Hawthorne studies, refers to the tendency of people to modify their behavior when they know they are being observed. The researchers found that worker productivity increased simply because the workers were aware that they were part of an experiment, rather than due to the specific changes made to their work environment. This discovery underscored the importance of considering the psychological and social factors that can influence human behavior in organizational settings, beyond just physical or economic factors.
• Analyze how the findings from the Hawthorne studies contributed to the development of the field of organizational behavior research.
  • The Hawthorne studies were a landmark in the field of organizational behavior research, as they challenged the prevailing scientific management approach and highlighted the significance of social and psychological factors in influencing worker productivity and morale. The studies demonstrated the need to consider the human element in organizational management, leading to a shift towards a more holistic understanding of workplace dynamics. The insights gained from the Hawthorne studies laid the foundation for the development of organizational behavior as a distinct field of study, which now examines the complex interplay between individuals, groups, and organizational structures in shaping workplace outcomes.

Related terms

Productivity: The measure of the efficiency of production, typically expressed as the ratio of output to input.

Morale: The overall outlook, attitude, and feelings of motivation and enthusiasm within a group.

Organizational Behavior: The study of the way people interact within groups, particularly in a workplace setting.