Hawthorn Studies

Hawthorne Studies

George Elton Mayo a professor at Harvard University was very influential in interpreting the results of the Hawthorne studies (Bedeian & Wren, 2009 pg. 291 para. 2). His findings were direct reflections of organizational development and increasing moral in the workplace and today that is very important for the success of any business. From his research the results were as followed. Informal groups in the workplace have a great influence on others working habits and personal attitude. Worker influence on others and the experience of senior employees creates a different atmosphere when it comes to completing regular tasks. Moral and small unit leadership was very important in the results of this test. To have the ability to not only work hard but at the same time have relations with fellow workers increases the whole mission in general. In today’s organization morale and welfare of the employee creates a disciplined work area and a positive work structure for any organization (Bedeian & Wren, 2009 pg. 298). Human relationships and moral in the workplace is vital for personal growth and acceptance. According to Mayo, “industrial life caused a sense of personal futility, which leads to social maladjustment and, eventually, to obsessive, irrational behavior” (Bedeian & Wren, 2009 pg. 301 para 2). Today we have a variety of cultures to make the workplace an enjoyable atmosphere. Social groups and organized events keep the monotony to a minimum and provide an outlet for stress and mental fatigue. The Hawthorne experiments were proof that the working environment needed to be socially adjusted to ensure the health and well-being of its employees. Organizations would become known as a social structure to adapt to the changes both physically and personally. The wants and needs of your employees today are essential for organization functionality. From the way they dress and the way they perform their everyday work ethic. The social acceptance and policies of an organization must present ways to adjust to the needs of people and to accept the differences that comes with it. In other words, management must have a human understanding to deal with personal and emotional issues. “You can seldom observe a phenomenon closely without affecting it somehow” (Bedeian & Wren, 2009 pg. 299 para 2). As we interact with each other on a daily basis in a working environment we look for outlets to make our work experience more enjoyable. The Hawthorne experiments were detrimental in finding ways to associate work and behaviors in our society today. Its effectiveness carved the path to communicate and interact socially. The aspect of popular culture and The Hawthorne studies were to evolve through interaction and provide moral for the workplace. Today it is a way of life to have moral, and esprit de corps within our organizations.