Question

Which of the following is/are correct about the Hawthorne Experiments?
A. It was a pioneering study of how individuals behave in organisations.
B. It was carried out at the Hawthorne Works of Western Electric Company, U.K.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Only A
• B. Only B
• C. Both A and B
• D. Neither A nor B

Hint:

Competitive exams often change the location or the year of famous experiments to test your attention to detail. Always remember: Hawthorne = USA (Illinois).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Hawthorne Experiments (conducted between 1924 and 1932) led to the birth of the 'Human Relations Movement' in management and public administration.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Statement A is Correct: The experiments, led by Elton Mayo, Fritz Roethlisberger, and others, shifted the focus from the 'mechanical' view of workers (Scientific Management) to the 'human' side. It showed that social factors, group dynamics, and attention from management (the Hawthorne Effect) significantly impact productivity.
- Statement B is Incorrect: While the experiments took place at the Hawthorne Works of the Western Electric Company, this facility was located in Cicero, Illinois, USA, not the U.K.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Only statement A is factually correct.