Principles of Management CLEP Practice Exam

What conclusion can be drawn from the unexpected results of the Hawthorne effect?

1. Workers are unaffected by their environment

2. Employee behavior changes when they are being observed

3. The work environment has minimal impact on productivity

4. All managers should focus on monitoring workers

The correct answer is: Employee behavior changes when they are being observed

The Hawthorne effect refers to the observed phenomenon where individuals modify their behavior in response to being observed or measured, rather than in response to the actual experimental manipulation. The core conclusion drawn from this effect is that employee behavior indeed changes when they are being observed. This suggests that the attention paid to workers can lead to increased motivation and productivity, highlighting the importance of social factors and the psychological aspects of the workplace environment. In the context of this concept, options that suggest workers are unaffected by their environment, or that the work environment has a minimal impact on productivity, do not align with the findings of the Hawthorne studies. Furthermore, the notion that all managers should focus solely on monitoring workers overlooks the broader implications of engagement and the need for supportive environments, which can lead to positive changes in behavior and performance. Thus, the conclusion that employee behavior changes when they are being observed accurately reflects the insights gained from the Hawthorne effect.