The Hawthorne Experiments

The Hawthorne Experiments were a series of studies conducted in the 1920s and 1930s to understand how working conditions affect employee productivity. Researchers observed that when workers received attention and felt their efforts were valued, their performance improved—even if changes to the work environment were minor. This phenomenon, known as the "Hawthorne effect," suggests that workers' awareness of being studied and their sense of importance can positively influence their behavior and output. The experiments highlighted the significance of social and psychological factors in the workplace, influencing management practices to focus on employee well-being.