![]() These initial experiments involved changes to the worker’s environment such as lighting, work hours, and even break times in order to measure any changes in productivity. The name of the effect comes from the interpretation of a series of experiments, often referred to as the Hawthorne studies or Hawthorne experiments, beginning in November 1924 at the Hawthorne Works industrial plant in Illinois. Reactivity is a phenomenon that happens when people know or suspect they are being observed and therefore modify their behavior those modifications to behavior can cause positive or negative results. The Hawthorne Effect, often defined as how people in a study act differently because they are being watched, is a type of reactivity. Hawthorne Effect: For more about this topic: Ĭhuck Chiles, Director of Technology, Unika Vaev Acoustics Fortunately, good business managers recognize solid investments. The proper acoustics for workspaces is not a cost that needs to be justified, but a solid investment in productivity over the long term. Be careful not to pinch those pennies to the pound-foolish limit. Lasting results allow the changes to be appreciated over time. ![]() Doing it right is in a large measure a matter of objective science. While opinions vary a little bit, acoustical consultants/scientists almost always know what works best for a particular environment. In the same fashion, acoustics works best when administered in the appropriate amount. An adjustment providing too much or too little light might produce a temporary feeling of success, but in the long term, worker productivity is best served by objectively providing the “right” amount of light. What the Hawthorne factory needed was the objectively proper amount of light for a task. Sure, you can score some quick points with a short-term productivity boost, but how should we sustain improved results in the long run? Experience teaches us that in acoustics “doing it right” is seldom a waste of money. 1925Īs it turns out, the scientists had discovered what is known as The Hawthorne Effect, an effect of expectation like the Placebo Effect or the Pygmalion Effect. When the implementation of changes stopped, the success quickly faded, and the adjustments produced only a temporary boost of productivity. If the mere fact that any reasonable change usually delivers positive results, why bother spending more money to do it right? The answer is simple. When workers were aware that their environment was being changed they saw this attention to their workspace as positive and caring and responded with increased productivity. Sure enough, with a bit more light, productivity went up. Light levels were increased, and productivity was measured. The factory commissioned a study to see if adjustments in workspace lighting might improve worker productivity. Let’s go all the way back to 1924 when a famous research experiment was undertaken at Hawthorne Works, a Western Electric Factory in Chicago. ![]() Why would I urge you to spend extra money to “do it right” when we know from solid scientific research that not doing so will, nonetheless, often produce a quick, low-cost victory?
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