ESCUELA de las RELACIONES HUMANAS de ELTON MAYO y su EXPERIMENTO de HAWTHORNE ✅ | Economía 143#

Summary

This video on home economics introduces the theory of human relations, developed by Elton Mayo, emphasizing the importance of the human element in organizations. Originating in the 1920s as a reaction to classical management theories, it highlights the psychological and social factors influencing worker productivity. The Hawthorne Experiment, a key study in this theory, demonstrated that social integration and informal group dynamics significantly impact performance. The video also discusses the contributions of Mary Parker Follett and Kurt Lewin, stressing the need for democratic leadership and the importance of addressing workers' emotional needs. Criticisms of the theory are also briefly reviewed.

Takeaways

• 📚 The theory of human relations emphasizes the importance of the human element in organizations, emerging as a counterbalance to classical management theories focused on scientific and precise methods.
• 💡 The development of human sciences, especially psychology and sociology, highlighted the inadequacy of classical management principles and contributed to the rise of the human relations movement.
• 🏭 The Hawthorne Experiments, conducted by Elton Mayo, revealed that workers' productivity was influenced more by psychological factors and social interactions than by physical working conditions.
• 🔍 The experiment showed that changes in workers' perception of their environment, such as lighting and breaks, affected their productivity, regardless of the actual physical conditions.
• 🤝 The social dynamics within the workplace, such as camaraderie and group leadership, played a significant role in enhancing job satisfaction and productivity.
• 👥 The existence of informal groups within the workplace was identified as a key factor in shaping workers' attitudes and behaviors, often in opposition to formal organizational structures.
• 🛠 The Hawthorne Experiments led to the understanding that worker productivity is not solely determined by physical capacity but is heavily influenced by social norms and expectations.
• 🌟 Recognition and social approval were found to be more significant motivators for workers than economic incentives, challenging the classical view of 'economic man'.
• 🔄 The school of human relations advocated for a shift in management style, promoting participatory and democratic approaches to enhance communication and productivity.
• 👩‍🏫 Key figures like Elton Mayo, Kurt Lewin, and Mary Parker Follet contributed foundational principles to the human relations movement, emphasizing the psychological and social aspects of work.
• 🚫 Critics of the human relations school argue that its methods lack scientific rigor, narrowly focus on job satisfaction, and may be used as a tool for increasing productivity without genuine concern for worker welfare.

Q & A

What is the theory of human relations in the context of business economics?

The theory of human relations is a concept developed by Elton Mayo, emphasizing that the human element is the most crucial part of an organization. It emerged as a response to classical management theories, aiming to humanize and democratize administration by focusing on the psychological and social aspects of workers.

What were the two main causes that led to the development of the human relations movement?

The two main causes were the development of human sciences, particularly psychology and sociology, and their increasing influence on understanding worker behavior, and the Hawthorne Experiment, which significantly influenced the theory by demonstrating the impact of psychological factors on worker productivity.

What was the objective of the Hawthorne Experiment conducted by Elton Mayo?

The objective of the Hawthorne Experiment was to determine the relationship between the intensity of lighting and the efficiency of workers in production. It aimed to understand how changes in physical working conditions affected productivity.

How did the Hawthorne Experiment challenge the principles of classical management theory?

The Hawthorne Experiment revealed that worker productivity was influenced more by psychological factors, such as the perception of being observed and the social dynamics within the workplace, rather than just the physical conditions or scientific management principles.

What were the key findings from the different phases of the Hawthorne Experiment?

The key findings included the discovery of a psychological factor in worker productivity, the importance of social integration and group dynamics, the influence of non-economic rewards and sanctions on motivation, and the existence of informal organizations within the workplace that significantly affect worker behavior.

How did the Hawthorne Experiment influence the understanding of informal groups within an organization?

The experiment showed that informal groups play a significant role in shaping worker attitudes and behaviors, often more so than formal organizational structures. These groups establish their own norms and standards that can either support or conflict with the organization's objectives.