Hawthorne Theory

Question 1

What is the Hawthorne Effect?

Answer 1

Phenomenon where people alter behavior when they know they’re being observed, impacting study outcomes.

Question 2

What are the conclusions of the Hawthorne Effect?

Answer 2

Conclusions:

• The Hawthorne Effect demonstrated that employees’ awareness of being studied could lead to increased productivity.
• Social factors, such as peer pressure and group dynamics, have a substantial impact on employee performance.
• Employee attitudes, job satisfaction, and communication with management are essential considerations for enhancing workplace productivity.

Question 3

A manufacturing company noticed an increase in employee productivity after implementing a new lighting system in the production area. Explain how the Hawthorne Effect might have played a role in this improvement.

Answer 3

The Hawthorne Effect may have contributed to the productivity increase because the employees were aware of the changes and believed they were being observed, leading to greater effort and improved performance.

Question 4

Which phase of the Hawthorne experiments focused on changes in lighting and their impact on worker productivity?
a) Relay Assembly Test Room Studies
b) Bank Wiring Room Studies
c) Illumination Studies
d) Interview Program

Answer 4

(c)

Question 5

In a call center, a group of customer service representatives consistently outperforms the others in terms of call resolution and customer satisfaction. Explain this phenomenon in the context of the Hawthorne Effect.

Answer 5

The high-performing group may be experiencing the Hawthorne Effect as they are aware of being observed and may be motivated to excel, leading to improved performance.

Question 6

What significant finding emerged from the Relay Assembly Test Room Studies during the Hawthorne experiments?
a) Improved lighting increases productivity.
b) Peer pressure influences worker performance.
c) Employees prefer working in isolation.
d) Management control is the key to productivity.

Answer 6

(b)

Question 7

A manager believes that the Hawthorne Effect is the primary reason for a recent increase in employee productivity. How can the manager test this hypothesis?

Answer 7

The manager can test the hypothesis by implementing changes in the work environment and observing whether productivity changes accordingly. If it does, it suggests the presence of the Hawthorne Effect.

Question 8

Which phase of the Hawthorne experiments emphasized the significance of employee morale and job satisfaction?
a) Relay Assembly Test Room Studies
b) Bank Wiring Room Studies
c) Illumination Studies
d) Interview Program

Answer 8

(d)

Question 9

A company introduced a new incentive program, and productivity initially increased. However, over time, the effect wore off, and productivity returned to previous levels. How might the Hawthorne Effect explain this pattern?

Answer 9

The Hawthorne Effect may have caused the initial increase as employees were motivated by the new incentive program. However, as the novelty wore off, the effect diminished, and productivity returned to baseline levels.

Question 10

What is the primary criticism of the Hawthorne experiments?
a) Lack of statistical rigor in the studies
b) Failure to consider the impact of lighting
c) Overemphasis on employee satisfaction
d) Ignoring the role of peer pressure

Answer 10

(a)

Question 11

A team of researchers is conducting a study on the Hawthorne Effect in a modern office setting. What ethical considerations should they take into account when observing employees?

Answer 11

Ethical considerations include obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring privacy, and minimizing any potential stress or discomfort caused by observation.

Question 11

Which phase of the Hawthorne experiments involved observing a group of female workers assembling telephone relays?
a) Relay Assembly Test Room Studies
b) Bank Wiring Room Studies
c) Illumination Studies
d) Interview Program

Answer 11

(a)