Elton Mayo (1880-1949)•Psychologist, sociologist and organisation theorist•Conducted research into worker productivity at the Hawthorne Plant, Western Electric Company, USA in the 1930s
Elton Mayo (1880-1949)•He discovered that ANY change in lighting conditions increased productivity.•He developed the theory that the increase in productivity occurred because workers were motivated by being involved in an experiment, ie. they felt special
Elton Mayo (1880-1949)•His theory became known as the ‘Hawthorne effect’, summarised as:Motivation is improved by showing interest in others involving others in decision making ensuring the wellbeing of others ensuring work is interesting and non-repetitivegreater communication good teamwork