Hawthrone effect the Matrix way!!

THE HAWTHORNE EFFECT

The Hawthorne Effect is a form of re-activity whereby subjects improve or modify an aspect of their behavior being experimentally measured simply in response to the fact that they know they are being studied, not in response to any particular experimental manipulation.

The economic rewards of work were potentially picayune compared to the feeling of solidarity and worth created among individuals working together toward a common end. A manager’s effectiveness, therefore, could be measured on the extent to which those in the organization internalized a common purpose and perceived the connection between their actions and the organization’s ability to fulfill this common purpose. Management, then, was not about controlling human behavior but unleashing human possibility.
I hope this video will help in understanding the concept of the Hawthorne Effect:-

This effect was observed for minute increases in illumination. In these lighting studies, light intensity was altered to examine its effect on worker productivity. Most industrial/occupational psychology and organizational behavior textbooks refer to the illumination studies^.Only occasionally are the rest of the studies mentioned.Although illumination research of workplace lighting formed the basis of the Hawthorne effect other changes such as maintaining clean work stations,cleaning floors of obstacles and even relocating workstation resulted in increased productivity for short periods .Thus term is used to identify any type of short lived increase in productivity.

The final outcome of the experiment:-

• The aptitudes of individuals are imperfect predictors of job performance. Although the researchers give some indication of the physical and mental potential of the individual, the amount produced is strongly influenced by social factors.
• Informal organization affects productivity.The Hawthorne researchers discovered a group life among the workers. The studies also showed that the relations that supervisors develop with workers tend to influence the manner in which the workers carry out directives.
• Work-group norms affect productivity. The Hawthorne researchers were not the first to recognize that work groups tend to arrive at norms of what is a fair day's work; however, they provided the best systematic description and interpretation of this phenomenon.
• The workplace is a social system. The Hawthorne researchers came to view the workplace as a social system made up of interdependent parts.
• One of the finding was that a manager's behavior or leadership approach can affect worker's level of performance.

                   ENVIRONMENT + HUMAN = PRODUCTIVITY (Increase)

The MATRIX to be solved:-

It prepares person accustomed for both:-

• Cross  Functional 
• Cross Business Group

In Matrix Management ,the people with similar skill are pooled and prepared for work assignment resulting in one or more manager .The Unity of command is deliberated flouted .

Many of the ailments we discuss do arise in more conventional organizations, but the matrix seems somewhat more vulnerable to these particular ones. It is wise, therefore, for managers thinking of adopting a matrix to be familiar with the diagnoses, prevention, and treatment of nine particular pathologies: tendencies toward anarchy, power struggles, severe groupitis, collapse during economic crunch, excessive overhead,sinking to lower levels,uncontrolled layering navel gazing and decision strangulation.

Challenges With Matrix Organizations

Matrix structures are advantageous for flexibly applying organization talent where it’s needed.  However, there are challenges that need to be monitored and addressed.  They include:

Overhead related costs are too high.  Matrix organizations may tend to have more managers than formal hierarchical structures.  Consequently, costs associated with manager positions may be higher.  These higher costs, which could be very minimal and should be offset by higher levels of productivity and getting the job done.

Maximizing Advantages and Overcoming Disadvantages

Matrix structures can support fully engaged employees doing work that is meaningful and fulfilling.  And in turn, as many studies have found, your organization’s bottom line and viability is positively impacted.

To be fully successful the following organizational elements should be in place in a matrix organization structure.

• Support from top management
• Well defined and communicated organization goals, objectives, and mission
• Cooperation and communication between functional and work team managers
• HR information system that is current and accurate
• Project (and routine work) management support information system that is current and accurate
• Documented roles and responsibilities
• Effective project management
• Communication that is transparent to managers and employees
• Continuing education – technical and how to work in fluid work environments
• Regular status meetings with functional managers
• Conflict among managers should be minimized or at least kept out of view
• Annual performance reviews

For example, all engineers may be in one engineering department and report to an engineering manager, but these same engineers may be assigned to different projects and report to a different engineering manager or a project manager while working on that project. Therefore, each engineer may have to work under several managers to get his job done.