Hemming and Hawing Over Hawthorne Effect

Full Answer Section

    Another problem with the Hawthorne Effect is that it is often used to justify workplace surveillance, even though there is no clear evidence that surveillance actually leads to increased productivity. In fact, some studies have shown that surveillance can actually lead to decreased productivity and increased stress levels among workers. Have you ever been monitored in the workplace? Yes, I have been monitored in the workplace. I have worked in jobs where my computer activity was monitored, my phone calls were recorded, and I was even videotaped while working. If yes, were you more productive or less productive? I found that being monitored made me less productive. I felt more stressed and anxious, and I was constantly worried about making a mistake. I also found it difficult to focus on my work because I knew that someone was watching me. If no, can you imagine a scenario where you were being monitored while completing a major assignment. Would you be more productive or less productive? Yes, I can imagine a scenario where I was being monitored while completing a major assignment. I think I would be less productive in this scenario. I would feel more stressed and anxious, and I would be constantly worried about making a mistake. I also find it difficult to be creative when I know that someone is watching me. Conclusion I believe that the Hawthorne Effect is not a real phenomenon, or at least not as strong as it is often claimed to be. There is no clear evidence that surveillance actually leads to increased productivity, and in fact, some studies have shown that it can actually lead to decreased productivity and increased stress levels among workers. I also believe that workplace surveillance is unethical and should not be used to justify monitoring workers. Workers should have the right to privacy and freedom from surveillance in the workplace.  

Sample Answer

   

After watching the video "Hemming and Hawing Over Hawthorne Effect" by Veritasium, I agree with the findings that the Hawthorne Effect is not a real phenomenon, or at least not as strong as it is often claimed to be. The video provides a good overview of the history of the Hawthorne Effect, as well as some of the research that has been done on it in recent years.

One of the main problems with the Hawthorne Effect is that it is difficult to isolate from other factors that may be influencing productivity. For example, in the original Hawthorne studies, it is possible that the workers' increased productivity was due to the fact that they were being given more attention and support, rather than the fact that they were being monitored.