Hawthorne Studies
In 1927, the Western Electric's Hawthorne Works in the USA undertook a study into the effects of illumination on productivity. Two groups of female employees took part in the study. One group continued their work without any change in lighting; the other group worked in a more brightly lit environment than usual. Surprisingly, in the results productivity levels increased in both groups. Following this, a further experiment was undertaken where the lighting for the second group got dimmer. The level of productivity in this group, however, remained consistently high.
In response to these puzzling findings, Professor Mayo of Harvard University was called in. Professor Mayo examined the effects of a variety of variables on productivity such as the length of rest period. Again quite remarkably, productivity improved with every change made to the working conditions. Eventually, Mr. Mayo concluded that productivity rose in response to the special attention that these employees were receiving and not from any change to their working conditions.
Five Needs Hierarchy Theory
Various needs theories exist but the one which we will look at here is the five needs hierarchy theory as proposed by Abraham Maslow.
Maslow suggests that people are motivated by five basic general needs and that these needs may be arranged in a hierarchy with physiological needs such as appetite at the bottom. When a lower need is gratified, it submerges and the next need up in the hierarchy is activated.
This needs hierarchy theory may not explain exactly what need an employee wishes to fulfill in performing a specific duty but suggests what they wish to achieve through doing work itself.
・Self-actualization needs： Desire to develop their full potential as an individual
・Esteem needs： Desire to receive recognition from others for their contribution
・Belongingness needs： Desire to be accepted by their peers
・Safety needs： Needs to provide a safe and secure physical and emotional environment
・Physiological needs： Most basic needs such as those for food and sleep
