So I was going through my Trello board today, catching up on my growing list of todos, things to learn and be curious, explore (from years ago), and tackled this card "Check out Hawthorne effect". As usual, Googling takes you to wikipedia to read... I went to chatGPT and instead prompted it with the following...:
Explain the Hawthorne effect through a short-story, framing the narrative in a style, similar to Goldratt's book "The Goal". Limit the short-story to no longer than two A4 pages
The Workshop Challenge
Chapter 1: A Problem Arises
Alex Raines, the plant manager of Evergreen Manufacturing, walked into his office to find a stack of reports on his desk. The company had been struggling with productivity issues for months. Despite numerous initiatives and new policies, the output remained stagnant. Frustration mounted as Alex tried to pinpoint the problem.
Chapter 2: A Visit from HQ
One afternoon, an unexpected visit from Emma Collins, a senior executive from headquarters, threw Alex off his routine. Emma, known for her innovative problem-solving skills, had a knack for seeing through complexities.
“Alex, I’ve been reviewing the numbers,” Emma began, taking a seat in his office. “We need to figure out why the productivity is lagging. Let’s start by observing the workshop directly.”
Together, they walked to the workshop floor, where the hum of machinery mixed with the chatter of workers. Emma suggested they conduct a series of interviews and observe the workflow discreetly.
Chapter 3: The Observation Begins
Emma and Alex set up a temporary observation station in a corner of the workshop. Over the next week, they meticulously noted the workers’ behaviors, machine efficiency, and workflow patterns. To Alex’s surprise, there was a noticeable uptick in productivity during this period.
“I don’t get it,” Alex said, scratching his head. “The only change we made was being present here.”
Emma smiled knowingly. “That, my friend, is the Hawthorne effect.”
Chapter 4: Unveiling the Mystery
Emma explained, “In the 1920s and 30s, the Western Electric Company conducted a series of experiments at their Hawthorne Works plant. They discovered that workers’ productivity improved when they were being observed. It’s a psychological phenomenon where individuals alter their behavior due to the awareness of being watched.”
Alex pondered this revelation. “So, our presence here made the workers more conscious and thus more productive?”
“Exactly,” Emma confirmed. “But this effect is usually temporary. The key is to understand why the workers felt the need to change their behavior and how we can sustain productivity improvements without constant observation.”
Chapter 5: Digging Deeper
Determined to find a long-term solution, Alex and Emma conducted anonymous surveys and held informal discussions with the workers. They discovered several underlying issues: lack of clear communication, inadequate recognition of hard work, and an outdated incentive system.
Emma suggested a few strategic changes:
1. Improve Communication: Implement regular team meetings to discuss goals and progress.
2. Recognize Achievements: Introduce a recognition program to celebrate workers’ contributions.
3. Revamp Incentives: Align the incentive system with productivity and quality metrics.
Chapter 6: Implementing Change
With a clear action plan, Alex rolled out the changes. They started with weekly team huddles, where workers shared updates and suggestions. A “Star of the Week” program was introduced, celebrating top performers. The incentive structure was reworked to reward not just quantity but also the quality of output.
Chapter 7: Sustained Improvement
Over the next few months, the changes bore fruit. The workshop buzzed with newfound energy. Productivity rose steadily, and the workers felt more engaged and valued.
During a follow-up visit, Emma observed the transformed environment with satisfaction. “This is the real impact we were aiming for, Alex. By addressing the core issues and fostering a supportive environment, you’ve achieved sustainable improvement.”
Alex nodded, grateful for the insights. “It all started with the Hawthorne effect, but we’ve turned it into something lasting.”
Epilogue: Reflecting on the Journey
Alex reflected on the journey. The initial spike in productivity from mere observation had been a catalyst. By addressing the root causes and implementing meaningful changes, they had created a culture of continuous improvement. The Hawthorne effect was just the beginning—a lesson in understanding human behavior and leveraging it for lasting success.
In this narrative, the short-lived productivity boost due to observation, known as the Hawthorne effect, served as a springboard for deeper changes that ultimately led to long-term improvements in the workplace. The story mirrors the style of Goldratt’s “The Goal,” emphasizing problem-solving and continuous improvement.
