Definition
The Hawthorn Effect is a type of reactivity in which subjects modify an aspect of their behavior in response to knowing they are being observed. This term originated from studies conducted at the Hawthorn Works plant in the 1920s and 1930s, and it refers to the impact of downward supervision on worker productivity and behavior. The researchers discovered that workers’ performance improved because they felt observed and cared for, rather than because of the experimental changes implemented.
Examples
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Workplace Monitoring: A company decides to monitor call center employees to determine if they adhere to a script. Upon being aware of the observation, employees perform better and adhere to the script more closely.
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Classroom Dynamics: Teachers give additional attention to certain students for a research study. These students, knowing they are being focused on, show improved academic performance and behavior.
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Health Studies: Participants in a weight loss study might report better dietary habits as they know their progress is being monitored, even without actual interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What caused the Hawthorn Effect?
The Hawthorn Effect was observed when researchers took an interest in employees’ work at Western Electric’s Hawthorn Works factory and found that the employees’ improved performance was primarily due to the attention they received.
Is the Hawthorn Effect always positive?
Not necessarily. While it can lead to temporary increased performance or behavior changes, it can also cause stress or anxiety knowing that one is being watched.
How can the Hawthorn Effect impact experimental research?
It can skew study results because the behavior change is due to observation rather than the introduced variables. This is why controlling for such biases is crucial in designing experiments.
Can the Hawthorn Effect last over a long period?
The effect is typically temporary. Once individuals perceive that the observation is no longer stringent or after the novelty wears off, they often revert to their usual behavior.
How does the Hawthorn Effect differ from the Placebo Effect?
While both involve expectations influencing outcomes, the Hawthorn Effect is centered around behavioral changes due to observation, whereas the Placebo Effect involves physiological changes in response to a perceived, but inactive, intervention.
- Observer Effect: Any impact that observing someone or something has on their performance or data.
- Placebo Effect: A phenomenon where a patient’s symptoms can improve simply because they believe they are receiving treatment.
- Reactivity: The alteration of a subject’s behavior due to the consciousness of being observed.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- The Essential Deming: Leadership Principles from the Father of Quality by W. Edwards Deming
- The Human Problems of an Industrial Civilization by Elton Mayo
- Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins and Timothy A. Judge
Fundamentals of Hawthorn Effect: Management Basics Quiz
### What is a primary characteristic of the Hawthorn Effect?
- [ ] Lowering productivity
- [x] Improved performance due to observation
- [ ] Increased absenteeism
- [ ] Development of new skills
> **Explanation:** The primary characteristic of the Hawthorn Effect is that individuals improve performance when they are aware they are being observed.
### Where did the term "Hawthorn Effect" originate from?
- [ ] A government experiment
- [ ] A mill in Texas
- [x] Western Electric's Hawthorn Works factory
- [ ] IBM
> **Explanation:** The term originated from studies conducted at the Hawthorn Works factory.
### What aspect of the study at Hawthorn Works was more significant than the experimental changes?
- [ ] Introduction of new machinery
- [x] The supervision and attention from researchers
- [ ] Salary increments
- [ ] Flexible working hours
> **Explanation:** The employees reacted favorably to the supervision and attention from researchers, which was more significant than any other experimental change.
### Can the Hawthorn Effect influence health studies?
- [x] Yes, participants might report better habits knowing they are observed
- [ ] No, it only affects workplace productivity
- [ ] Only impacts educational studies
- [ ] It does not apply to health studies
> **Explanation:** Participants in health studies might show improved habits due to awareness of being observed, thus influencing the results.
### How does reactivity relate to the Hawthorn Effect?
- [ ] It diminishes results
- [ ] It avoids data collection issues
- [x] It is an alteration of behavior due to observation
- [ ] It negates the need for supervision
> **Explanation:** Reactivity is the alteration of behavior due to the presence of observation, similar to the Hawthorn Effect.
### What happens to behaviors after the observation is relaxed considering the Hawthorn Effect?
- [x] The behaviors often revert to normal
- [ ] Keep improving
- [ ] Decline drastically
- [ ] Transform completely
> **Explanation:** Once the observation is relaxed or removed, behaviors governed by the Hawthorn Effect often revert to their usual state.
### What’s different between the Hawthorn Effect and Observer Effect?
- [ ] Observer Effect impacts only animals
- [x] Specificity vs broader application of observation impact
- [ ] Place of origin
- [ ] Duration of behavioral change
> **Explanation:** The Hawthorn Effect is specific to changes due to management observation, whereas the Observer Effect is any observable effect impacting results.
### What is one way to minimize the Hawthorn Effect in a study?
- [ ] Increase observation levels
- [x] Use covert observations
- [ ] Provide extra resources
- [ ] Conduct shorter observations
> **Explanation:** Using covert observations can help minimize awareness of being studied and thus reduce the influence of the Hawthorn Effect.
### How does the Hawthorn Effect benefit managers?
- [ ] Eliminates need for rewards
- [ ] Masks lower productivity
- [x] Indicates importance of attention towards employees
- [ ] Creates permanent behavior changes
> **Explanation:** It helps managers understand that giving attention and active interest in employees can boost performance.
### Why is it crucial to design ways to control for the Hawthorn Effect in research?
- [x] To ensure the study results reflect actual changes from variables tested, not from knowing observation
- [ ] To attain behavioral insight
- [ ] For maintaining observer related costs
- [ ] Simplifying the experiment
> **Explanation:** Controlling for the Hawthorn Effect helps in ensuring that study results are accurate and not biased by the participants' awareness of observation.
Thank you for delving into the fascinating dynamics between observation and behavior with our comprehensive overview of the Hawthorn Effect and related quiz questions. Enhance your understanding by exploring additional resources and dedicated studies!
