Elton Mayo and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Elton Mayo (1880-1949): * started his study in philosophy and psychology in 1907 at the University of Adelaide * he graduate with honors in 1910 and also won a Robe Fletcher prize in psychology * in the late 1920s, he led a Harvard research group to conduct worker productivity studies at Western Electric’s Hawthorne (chicago) plant * $Hawthorne Effect:$ employees worked harder if they received added attention and thought that managers cared about their welfare and that supervisors paid special attention to them * studies were flawed but they brought special attention to the effects of good human relations on worker productivity

physiological need (most basic physical need): need for food, clothing, shelter, comfort, self-preservation
safety need: need for physical safety, emotional security, avoidance of violence

1. workplace example: health insurance, job security

1. workplace example: office parties

esteem need: need for self-respect, status, reputation, recognition, self-confidence

1. workplace example: bonuses, promotions, awards

self-actualization need (the highest level need): need for self-fulfillment, increasing competence, suing abilities to the fullest

1. workplace example: sabbatical leave to further personal growth

Douglas McGregor: * briefly considered becoming a lay preacher * instead he chose to pursue a psychology degree * he ended up dropping out of college and working in a gas station for awhile * he observed a management’s view of workers from two different perspectives
theory X: represents a pessimistic, negative view of workers * workers are irresponsible, resistant to change, lack ambition, hate work, and want to be led
theory Y: represents an optimistic, positive view of workers * workers are considered capable of accepting responsibility, self-direction, self-control, and being creative