Hawthorne Experiments By Elton Mayo

Presented By:
Abhishek Mishra Jignesh Vibhandik Anshul Dixit Ketan Vaghasiya Vaibhav Paliwal Mitul Shah Jatin Patel Maisura Jariwal Reshma Budhani Chintan Shah Apeexa Patel

ABOUT:

Western Electric Company

Engaged

in manufacturing equipment for the telephone industry. High standards, concern for welfare of employees regarding wages and hours. No worker strike in over 20 years. High employee morale.

INTRODUCTION:
The term was coined in 1955 by Elton Mayo, Whitehead & Roethlisberger. Research began with a study conducted by Hawthorne at Western Electric Company. Conducted Research in Four Phases: - Illumination Experiments - Relay Assembly Test Room Experiments - Mass Interviewing Experiments - Bank Wiring Observation Room Experiments

EXPERIMENT # 1 - ILLUMINATION EXPERIMENTS (1924 1927)

Varied levels of illumination. - Higher illumination increase productivity First experiment - Two separate groups - One group varied intensities of illumination - Second group constant intensities of illumination

EXPERIMENT & RESULT

Increased illumination both group production increased. Intensity of illumination decreased production still increase. Production decrease when intensity of illumination gets to the level of moonlight.

FINAL CONCLUSION
Illumination No effect on productivity. Human factor is responsible New Experiments started.

EXPERIMENT # 2 RELAY ASSEMBLY TEST ROOM EXPERIMENTS (1927 1928)

Sets a relay assembly test room. Two girls. Four more girls coworkers. Work assembly of telephone relays. Output depend speed & continuity One observer

CHANGES & OUTCOMES

Each girls extra pay was based on the other five. Two 5min. rest later made it to 10min. Frequent break decrease the rhythm of work. In the Morning break coffee or soup served along with sandwich

CONTD...
In the evening break snack was provided. Change in working hours i.e. instead 5.00 p.m. changed to 4.30 p.m. later 4.00 p.m. Each change introduced - Absenteeism Decreased - Morale Increased - Less Supervision Revert back all changes production increased

FINAL RESULT
Change in Girls attitude work & work group. Stability. Sense of belongingness. More freedom of work responsibility & self discipline.

IMPLICATIONS OF HAWTHORNE STUDIES

Not only physical factors, social factors are also important. An Organization is not only structures but also people. Social factors, Cliques ( Groups) and status systems are important in organizations. A group may act differently than the individuals comprising the group.

CONTD
Recognition and attention are strong motivators (Illumination test) Supervisor and Communication are very important (Relay Assembly Experiment.) Group pressures and group dynamics exist in organizations (Bank Wiring) Groups can create conflicting interests (Bank Wiring)

CONTD...
Work is influenced by formal and informal aspects of management. Team spirit, reasonable degree of freedom can influence work substantially (Relay Assembly). Physical factors alone, (like lighting, incentives) cannot operate to the exclusion of human factors (like team spirit and leadership).

ARE THE FINDINGS OF HAWTHORNE RELEVANT TODAY?

In the modern world greater importance is given to technology. The importance of human aspects are being forgotten very often. Therefore, the Hawthorne experiments are more relevant today and the important findings of these experiments will continue to be relevant. -The importance of social/group factors -Informal leadership. -Supervision and communication -Recognition & Freedom -Team spirit. -Importance of Psychological testing -Counseling, Resolving grievances, etc.

Thank You