Hawthorne Effect

1927

Elton Mayo (1880–1949)

The period between the two world wars marks the era when psychology became an integral part of industry. It was a time of labor unrest, and many industries relied on psychologists to help them manage their workers. The most significant study of the new industrial psychology was conducted at the Hawthorne Works in what is now Cicero, Illinois. The plant was operated by Western Electric for Bell Telephone and was perhaps the most important site for technological innovations of its time.

The Works was the site for a landmark study of personnel management, and its findings are commonly known as the Hawthorne effect. In an attempt to increase worker productivity, Western Electric began a pilot project in which illumination was increased for the test group but not for a control group. Three years later, the company asked industrial psychologist Elton Mayo to review the pilot project data, and he found that productivity had increased for both groups. Mayo concluded it was the increased attention paid to the workers that resulted in higher worker morale and productivity. It was this research that came to be labeled the Hawthorne effect.

A second phase examined the impact of workplace improvements (such as rest periods and shorter hours) for six female workers in the relay assembly test room. The women chose their coworkers and were asked for their input in the process; productivity dramatically improved and was maintained even when original work conditions were restored. Analysis of interview data indicated that the social aspect of work was central to improved productivity. Western Electric redesigned some of their manufacturing programs to incorporate worker input, a move widely emulated by other companies. The success of psychology in these applications led to the new profession of personnel consulting, out of which grew the modern field of human relations.

SEE ALSO Psychotechnics (1903), Cheaper by the Dozen (1924)

A poster from the Office for Emergency Management, War Production Board, c. 1942–1943, encouraging workers to provide suggestions for improving the war production effort.