PT Journal AU Kompier, MA TI The “Hawthorne effect” is a myth, but what keeps the story going? SO Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health PD 10VL PY 2006 BP 402 EP 412 IS 5 DI 10.5271/sjweh.1036 WP https://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=1036 DE discussion paper; Hawthorne effect; Hawthorne studies; Human Relations School; myth SN 0355-3140 AB

The Hawthorne studies became famous because of the discovery of the “Hawthorne effect”: “a marked increase in production related only to special social position and social treatment”. They mark the beginning of the Human Relations School. This article demonstrates that the Hawthorne research does not pass a methodological quality test. Even if methodological shortcomings were waived, there is no proof of a Hawthorne effect in the original data. The following five myths are debunked: (i) scientific worth, (ii) continuous improvement, (iii) social factors prevailing over physical factors and pay, (iv) wholehearted cooperation, and (v) the neurotic worker. The following five factors are held responsible for the creation and survival of the Hawthorne myth: (i) a story too good to be untrue, (ii) bias and selective accounts by original researchers and “laziness” among later scientists, (iii) social factors do matter, and (iv) a story that fits the cognitive world and interests of psychologists, and (v) management.

ER