INSIGHT TOUR DE FRANCE 7
Mayo
Elton Mayo (1880 – 1949) believe that people are not just apprehensive about wealth, but could be better motivated by having their social needs and desires met, something that Taylor clearly ignored. Mayo introduced the Human Relation School of though, which focussed on managers and influences taking more of an interest in the subject, treating them as people who can express valid opinions and realising that people thrive on interaction.
Mayo conducted a series of experiments at the Hawthorne factory of Western Electric Company in Chicago.
He hypothesised levels of productivity would decline as lighting or other condition became progressively worse.
What he actually discovered, surprised him; whatever the change in lighting or other conditions, the productivity of the workers remained the same or noticeably improved. This did not see a decline the worker’s productivity. From this, Mayo came to the conclusion that workers are best motivated by:
Better communication between managers and workers: (Hawthorne workers were consulted over the experiments and also had the opportunity to give feedback).
Greater manager involvement in employees working lives and common interests: (Hawthorne workers
responded to the increased
level of attention they were receiving).
Working in groups and teams: (Hawthorne workers did not previously regularly work in a team environment).
Therefore, Mayo suggests that businesses should re-organise production to encourage greater use of a team environment and introduce personnel departments to encourage greater involvement from the manager.
His theory fits in closely with the paternalistic style of management. This is, managers giving more attention to their subordinate’s social needs and views of the workers.