In the 1920s, researchers aimed to enhance productivity at the Hawthorne Works factory in Chicago. They conducted various experiments, such as adjusting lighting, changing break times, and altering work hours. Surprisingly, every change, whether positive or negative, appeared to boost productivity. This left the researchers puzzled, as they couldn't understand how such diverse adjustments all resulted in improved performance.
It turns out, it wasn’t the changes themselves that boosted productivity. The real driver was the workers’ awareness of being observed. Knowing they were part of an experiment and being observed made them work harder. This phenomenon—where individuals change their behavior because they know they are being watched—became known as the Hawthorne Effect.
Two main psychological theories explain why humans might act this way. One is that humans are naturally social beings, and the feeling of being observed can trigger a desire to perform better, impress, and meet perceived expectations. The other reason is that being part of a study might lead to doubts about the study's goals and fears of things like layoffs, making people extra motivated to produce better results.
After this discovery, workplaces, studies, and even schools began designing environments with this insight in mind. Whether through increased supervision, positive feedback loops, or simply creating spaces that foster a sense of accountability, organizations found ways to boost productivity without making major changes—simply by harnessing the power of observation.
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