List and discuss each of the studies and results which collectively make up the research known as the Hawthorne studies

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The Hawthorne Studies were made up of four separate studies, the Illumination
Study, the Relay Assembly Test Room Study, The Interviewing Program, and the Bank
Wiring Room Observation Study.
The Illumination Study was designed to test the effect of lighting intensity on worker
productivity. In both the control room and the test room, productivity increased; there
was no significant difference in the production rates of the control group (relatively
constant level of illumination) and the test group until the illumination for the test group
dropped to a point where they could hardly see.
The Relay Assembly Test Room Study was conducted with a smaller group (five
experienced female workers who were willing and cooperative) in a separate room, away
from the regular shop floor. The task the five women were to complete was the assembly
of telephone relays. In general, production and satisfaction tended to increase regardless
of the changes made in workday length and rest pauses. The research team posited five
possible explanations for these results but eventually concluded that the workers'
increased output and increased satisfaction were related to changes in supervisory
practices.
The Interviewing Program was designed to gather data regarding the possible connection
between supervisory practices and employee morale. The actual results of the interviews
were perhaps less important than the process itself. As a by-product of having the
opportunity to provide feedback on their personal work situation, many workers indicated
a more positive feeling toward the company and a better mental attitude. The Bank
Wiring Room Observation Study was conducted to provide overt behavioral data that
social groups might exercise very strong control over the production of individual work
behavior on the shop floor. The investigators concluded, based on observations and
output data, that each worker was artificially restricting his output and that the output was
lower than the company-established target. Informally developed group norms were
present in the work group that operated to restrict individual worker output.