HAWTHORNE EFFECT

The Hawthorne effect, also known as the observer effect, is a psychological phenomenon where individuals modify their behavior or performance when they are aware of being observed. It was named after a series of studies conducted at the Western Electric Hawthorne Works in the 1920s and 1930s. The researchers found that workers' productivity increased not due to changes in their working conditions but simply because they were aware they were being studied. The Hawthorne effect highlights the powerful influence of social and psychological factors on individuals' behavior and performance. It suggests that individuals may alter their behavior to meet perceived expectations or to gain recognition, leading to temporary improvements in productivity.