1. 1. Hawthorne Studies a viewHawthorne Studies a view By Kumar GouravBy Kumar Gourav
2. 2. What will be covered:What will be covered: DefinitionDefinition Brainstorming ExerciseBrainstorming Exercise Study backgroundStudy background Explanation of findingsExplanation of findings Real world exampleReal world example An exerciseAn exercise SummarySummary
3. 3. Hawthorne studies definedHawthorne studies defined A series of experiments in which the outputA series of experiments in which the output of the workers was observed to increase asof the workers was observed to increase as a result of improved treatment by theira result of improved treatment by their managers.managers. Named for their site, at the Western ElectricNamed for their site, at the Western Electric Company plant in Hawthorne, Illinois.Company plant in Hawthorne, Illinois.
4. 4. Brainstorming ExerciseBrainstorming Exercise What can a manager do to improveWhat can a manager do to improve productivity?productivity?
5. 5. Study BackgroundStudy Background Hawthorne studies were conducted fromHawthorne studies were conducted from 1927 to 1932 by Harvard Business School1927 to 1932 by Harvard Business School Professor Elton Mayo.Professor Elton Mayo. Purpose of study was to examine whatPurpose of study was to examine what effect monotony and fatigue had oneffect monotony and fatigue had on productivity and how to control them withproductivity and how to control them with variables such as rest breaks, work hours,variables such as rest breaks, work hours, temperature, and humidity.temperature, and humidity.
6. 6. Normal conditionsNormal conditions Under normal conditions, the work weekUnder normal conditions, the work week was 48 hours, including Saturdays. Therewas 48 hours, including Saturdays. There were no rest pauses.were no rest pauses.
7. 7. Experiment OneExperiment One The workers were put on piece-work forThe workers were put on piece-work for eight weeks.eight weeks. Output went up.Output went up.
8. 8. Experiment TwoExperiment Two The workers were given two rest pauses,The workers were given two rest pauses, five minutes each, in the morning andfive minutes each, in the morning and afternoon for a period of five weeks.afternoon for a period of five weeks. Output went up again.Output went up again.
9. 9. Experiment ThreeExperiment Three The rest pauses were increased to tenThe rest pauses were increased to ten minutes each.minutes each. Output went up sharply.Output went up sharply.
10. 10. Experiment FourExperiment Four The workers were given six five minuteThe workers were given six five minute breaks.breaks. Output fell slightly.Output fell slightly. The workers complained that the workThe workers complained that the work rhythm was broken by frequent pauses.rhythm was broken by frequent pauses.
11. 11. Experiment FiveExperiment Five The two original rest pauses were put backThe two original rest pauses were put back in place, and the workers were given a freein place, and the workers were given a free hot meal by the company.hot meal by the company. Output went up.Output went up.
12. 12. Experiment SixExperiment Six The workers were dismissed at 4:30 p.m.The workers were dismissed at 4:30 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m.instead of 5:00 p.m. Output went up.Output went up.
13. 13. Experiment SevenExperiment Seven The workers were dismissed at 4:00 p.m.The workers were dismissed at 4:00 p.m. Output remained the same.Output remained the same.
14. 14. Experiment EightExperiment Eight All improvements were taken away and theAll improvements were taken away and the workers returned to their original workingworkers returned to their original working conditions.conditions. Output was the highest ever recorded!Output was the highest ever recorded!
15. 15. Explanation of FindingsExplanation of Findings The experimental group had considerableThe experimental group had considerable freedom of movement compared to otherfreedom of movement compared to other workers in the plant.workers in the plant. The group developed an increased senseThe group developed an increased sense of responsibility and discipline no longerof responsibility and discipline no longer needed to come from a higher authority, itneeded to come from a higher authority, it came from within the group.came from within the group.
16. 16. Real World ExampleReal World Example Workers improve their productivity whenWorkers improve their productivity when they believe management is concernedthey believe management is concerned with their welfare and pay particularwith their welfare and pay particular attention to them.attention to them. Productivity can also be explained byProductivity can also be explained by paying attention to the workers socialpaying attention to the workers social environment and informal groupings.environment and informal groupings.
17. 17. An ExerciseAn Exercise What kinds of issues affect yourWhat kinds of issues affect your productivity?productivity? What can a manager do to increase orWhat can a manager do to increase or decrease your productivity?decrease your productivity?
18. 18. SummarySummary Hawthorne studies definedHawthorne studies defined Study backgroundStudy background Explanation of findingsExplanation of findings Real world exampleReal world example