Question

During Module 2, you considered the important concepts of attitudes and values and their influence in the workplace. We all are influenced by how we see the world. And we see the world through a lens shaped by our values and our attitudes. How we feel about things is important too. Taken together, attitudes and values determine much of our behavior at home and at work.

Exploring the famous Hawthorne experiments and considering how Theory X & Theory Y work in the "real world." This assignment will help you move from theory to practical application.

Answer 1

Hawthorne experiment is conducted by Elton Mayo to know the changes in physical conditions and productivity of employees, but the findings of this experiment suggest that apart from physical conditions, social needs fulfillment is very crucial to motivate employees. The findings of this experiment reveal that when poor light is provided at workplace and no break is offered to employees, still they achieve good productivity. This reflects that employees want to be recognized and need social attention. Employees are motivated due to job satisfaction they derive and social needs fulfillment. Employees wanted care and support from their managers.

If we compare theory X workers and theory Y workers environment with respect to Hawthorne experiment, these findings are obtained. Theory X is considered as irresponsible worker who avoids taking responsibility. Such worker is defined as less motivated to complete the work. Thus managers tend to practice micromanagement approach and close supervision to control theory X work behavior. Managers also practices authoritative leadership style to get work done from theory X workers. But such kind of micromanagement and authoritative approach misses a humanistic approach and consideration and care for employees. Employees do not receive a friendly work atmosphere and often face a toxic work environment that further deteriorates their commitment and motivation.

On the other hand, theory Y people are considered as committed to achieve work objectives, take challenging assignments and responsibilities, and take initiatives. They are found hard workers. Therefore, a manager practices a participative management style. Theory Y people are given empowerment to make decisions and managers trust theory Y. theory Y workers receive a friendly and supportive work environment where they can take decisions by themselves. Such work environment also facilitates learning and development for them. Such care and empathy as well as support to theory Y workers by managers reveal that a progressive approach suggested by Hawthorne experiment is implemented to motivate theory Y people. Hawthorne experiment findings suggest management to practice a humanistic approach towards employees to motivate them that is applied in case of theory Y people only. Thus theory Y people receives more favor and care from management than theory X people in real world. But, theory X workers also need support and care and management must use Hawthorne guidelines to motivate theory X workers.