The Hawthorne studies were a series of experiments conducted in the 1920s-1930s at Western Electric's Hawthorne plant to examine the effects of work conditions on productivity. The experiments found that productivity increased when workers received improved treatment from managers through things like rest breaks and hot meals. Productivity remained high even when improvements were removed, showing that social factors within the work group influenced output more than physical conditions alone. Managers can increase productivity by showing concern for worker welfare and paying attention to their social environment.

1. Hawthorne Studies By Emily Sligar