Elton Mayo “Hawthorne Studies”

Question 1

Category

Answer 1

Behavioural Management
“HR approach

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

Researched workers for Western Electric at
Hawthorne Plant (for 20yrs)

• Initial Focus was on lighting
• Studied changes to work weeks/ days saw no relationship
• All changes improved productivity
• Performed study in bank wiring room
• saw that people restricted output to avoid group displeasure

Question 3

Conclusions

Answer 3

-Social Setting accounted for increased productivity
- worker relationships and being supervised
Workers also felt important

Question 4

Lasting Impact

Answer 4

• Shifted Management focus from technical/ structural concerns to social / human concerns to increase productivity
• People singled out or given special attention perform better
• Supervisors should act as friends with employees