Hawthrone studies

Hathrone studies were conducted by Elton mayo and his associates.

These experiments were conducted in Western Electric’s Hathrone plant near Chicago (1927-32)

The four experiments of Mayo

1. Illumination experiment
2. The relay assembly test room
3. Interview experiments
4. Bank wiring observation

1Illumination Effect:-

The productivity of workers increased both the times when light was increased or decreased.

2. The relay assembly test room experiment

Friendly observation and value given to employees resulted in higher productivity

3. Interview experiments

Revealed the importance of listening to the employees feelings, problems and use of counseling interviews

4. Bank wiring observation

Informal organization

Rate busters

Rate chiselers

Group pressure on individual workers worked stronger than financial incentives.

Importance of Hawthrone experiments

•          Impetus to human relations approach, personnel management and O.B

•          Focus on workers and people’s perspective

•          Informal organizations