Describe the Hawthorne effect. Explain the flaws in the studies, but also explain the studies' lasting contribution to management.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The Hawthorne effect proposed that employees worked harder if they received added attention, if they thought that managers cared about their welfare and that supervisors paid special attention to them. However, later investigators found flaws in the studies, such as variations in ventilation and lighting or inadequate follow through, that were overlooked by the original researchers. Critics also point out that it's doubtful that workers improved their productivity merely on the basis of receiving more attention rather than because of a particular instructional method or social innovation. Nonetheless, the Hawthorne studies succeeded in drawing attention to the importance of "social man" (social beings) and how managers using good human relations can improve worker productivity.