What is the Hawthorne Effect?

The Hawthorne Effect is related to the behavioural modification that happens when observed acting as part of an experiment or being aware of being one. This phenomenon was first brought to light in the Hawthorne experiments conducted from 1924 to 1932 at the Western Electric Works in Chicago by the Hawthorne Works in the 1924-1932 Hawthorne studies.

Researchers proved that workers work more efficiently in their physical working space. However, they also stated that the most significant results are seen when observing workers. This reflects the factuality that being watched, or any special attention, can critically affect actions so that people give their best or do different things than usual. The Hawthorne Effect has implications in projects, which include psychology, sociology and management areas that put more thought into observation and feedback in research and interventions.

Example

A case of the Hawthorne Effect would be seen if a workforce is informed that their productivity levels are under observation in a research study. The workers may behave better to create an impression on the observer and to improve their productivity just based on the fact that they are under observation. However, such a result might not be a healthy indicator of the company’s strengths and success; it might be a reaction to sudden attention. The Hawthorne Effect exemplifies the way that the feeling of being watched and the activity of being observed could change the way people behave, thus emphasizing to take for granted such elements while interpreting research outcomes or introducing changes in organizational environments.