What is the Hawthorne Effect ?
The Hawthorne Effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals modify their behavior or performance because they are aware that they are being observed. It originated from a series of studies conducted at the Western Electric Hawthorne Works in Chicago during the 1920s and 1930s, where researchers found that workers' productivity increased simply because they knew they were part of an experiment, regardless of the specific changes made to their working conditions.
In organizational behavior, the Hawthorne Effect suggests that employees' performance can be influenced by the attention and observation they receive, rather than solely by environmental or operational factors. This effect highlights the importance of psychological and social factors in influencing workplace behavior.
Key Points:
Awareness of being observed causes a change in behavior.
It emphasizes the psychological impact on employees' performance.
Motivation and attention can lead to improved productivity.