Chapter 3: Hawthorne Studies
This is one of my favorite experiments because it "illuminates" some interesting characteristics of human nature. One of those is our need for attention, which stems from our survival instincts as infants. Newborn babies are designed to get the attention of their "elders" so that we will feed, nurture and care for them. Without the care of others during our infancy, we would not survive. As we grow and learn basic skills to care for ourselves, our need for attention shifts in order to attract others to love, respect and create a sense of belonging with us (which also correlates with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs).
An increase of productivity when we know we are being observed is a direct result of our need for attention as a means to gain those feelings of belonging. When we are given the opportunity to have the attention of others (especially someone we desire approval from) we will do whatever we can to inspire those feelings in them. In organizations it is easy to say that the Hawthorn Effect exists because people fear losing their jobs, not because they are seeking attention to obtain emotional needs of respect and acceptance. Certainly there are undeniable financial motivators for keeping one's position within an organization, however, aren't the emotional motivators just as strong, if not stronger?
If I know that I am skilled and educated, and have enough connections or positive recommendations to secure another job, then why would I dread the thought of being fired? Is it because I don't want to go through the hassle of getting a new job, or because I wouldn't want to experience the humiliation of being an outcast among my colleagues? Not to mention the fear of potentially losing the respect of my friends and family, whose acceptance I value even more than that of the organization I work for.
For me, this is just one of the many fascinating aspects of the Hawthorn Effect and the ways in which it reveals our psyche.
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I too find the Hawthorne Study interesting. I totally agree with what you said about people need attention, but I also want to add that people need change. It doesn't specifically say what job they were doing besides that they worked in an AT&T plant, but I'm sure it was very repetitive and mundane which would make sense why any change would increase their productivity.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this same study was done in say, a ferrari plant (where a team is responsible for the entire completion of the car) if changing the lighting would have the same effect?
I totally agree that people do need change and variety in the job they're doing. My last job had me in a tiny room counting money all day with no ventilation. I did exactly the same thing every shift, had exactly the same routine. I think the lack of attention as well as lack of change had a major effect on my drive to increase my production levels. When people are unhappy doing what they're doing, it is inevitable that they just won't care.
ReplyDeleteAlso Aimee, I think you bring up a really good point when you discuss fear as a motivator in our society. Fear of not belonging or fear of being laid off alike are powerful emotions.