Principles of Management CLEP Practice Exam 2025 – Your Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Human Relations Theory emphasizes the importance of human behavior in organizations by focusing on the interpersonal relationships among employees and how these relationships impact productivity and job satisfaction. This theory emerged in response to the limitations of earlier management theories, such as Scientific Management, which prioritized efficiency and task optimization without considering the human element.

The core premise of Human Relations Theory is that employees are motivated not just by money or job security but also by their social needs and the desire for recognition and respect. This perspective leads to the conclusion that fostering a positive workplace culture, encouraging collaboration, and addressing employee needs can lead to increased motivation, creativity, and overall performance.

Through studies, such as the Hawthorne studies, Human Relations theorists demonstrated that social factors and team dynamics significantly influence employee output. This theory laid the groundwork for later management approaches that continue to prioritize the importance of human behavior and relationships within organizations.