Hawthorne Studies

The Hawthorne Studies were a series of experiments conducted in the 1920s and 1930s to understand how various working conditions affected employee productivity. Researchers found that changes in the environment, such as lighting, led to increased output, but surprisingly, even alterations that worsened conditions also boosted productivity. This phenomenon was attributed to the workers feeling observed and valued, highlighting the importance of social interactions and employee morale. Ultimately, these studies revealed that psychological and social factors significantly influence workplace performance, underscoring the need for management to consider employees' well-being alongside physical working conditions.