Human Relation and Behavioral Science Theory

Human Relation & Behavioral Science Theory

- Refers to Manager’s ability to understand and work with and through people who differ in culture, background, perceptions, needs and aspirations

- Focused to human side of the organization

- Social and psychological factors consideration

- The approach divided into two parts:

* human relation approach importance of individual within the organization

* behavioral science theory study about the interpersonal relation and behavioral pattern of each worker

Human Relation Approach:

- The term “Human Relation” is used to describe the ways in which managers interact with their subordinates

- During the great depression 1920s and 1930s, the importance of people in the organization was realized

- advocates the human merely not as a factor of production, but as human beings

- Elton Mayo, a professor at Harvard Business School, conducted a series of experiments in 1924 to 1932 in Western Electric Company, Chicago

A.Illumination Experiment:

- The study to measure the effects of lighting on the productivity of workers in different departments

- Illumination manipulated for one group and constant for another

productivity increased for both group

Conclusion: productivity could be gained not only by improved working conditions but also by promoting social relationships among workers

B. Relay Assembly Test Room Experiment:

- Two groups of 6 female telephone relay assemblers were put in separate rooms

- Frequent changes made in working conditions

hours of work, hot lunches, rest periods, wage incentive,

nature of supervision etc.

in one room and no change in another

The productivity and morale of both rooms remained constant

even though working conditions were withdrawn

Conclusion: socio-psychological factors such as feelings of importance, recognition, participation, non-directive supervision etc. are the key for higher worker productivity

C. Mass Interviewing Program:

- Under this phase, a group of 20,000 workers were interviewed to elicit information on their perceptions on the working life

- Focus was on human relations rather than on physical working conditions

Conclusion: importance of informal relations, social and psychological needs influence the workers’ behavior and productivity

D. Bank Wiring Observation Room Experiment:

- Under this experiment:

- 14 male workers were formed into a small group

- intensively observed for 7 months in the bank wiring room

-The men were engaged in the assembly of terminal banks for the use of telephone exchange

- Purpose was to make more detailed analysis of the social relationships in a work group

Conclusion: Employees would work hard if they believe the management was concerned about their welfare and supervisors paid special attention and care to them

i.e. productivity can be increased by social factors such as moral and satisfactory relationships between management and workers

Behavioral Science Approach:

- Concerned with scientific investigation, analysis and understanding human behavior in organization

- 3 branches of behavioral science:

* Psychology- study of individual human behavior

* Sociology- study of human behavior in groups

*Anthropology- study of physical, biological and cultural influences on human behavior as individuals and members of group

Abraham Maslow: Need Hierarchy Theory

- 1943, a human psychologist suggested that people have a complex set of needs, when one is fulfilled another emerge in a predictable sequence to take place

- A manger needs to identify the needs of individual workers to get things done from them

- The people move on 5 hierarchy of needs step by step as:

A. Physiological Needs:

- The basic needs common to all people

- Food, water, cloth, shelter, rest and other basic needs

- The fulfillment of such needs is essential and for survival

- Through better wage and working environment

B. Safety/Security Needs:

- Physical and economic security

- Safety needs:

* Economic security- fulfillment of basic needs on a continuous basis

* Physical security- protection from unexpected events like fire, accident etc.

* Social security- a need for security in old age, illness, permanent incapability

C. Social/Affiliation Needs:

- Human beings as social animals want to live in the society and consume social elements: belongingness, friendship, love and affection, social acceptance, social status, prestige etc.

- develop the feeling of belongingness, team spirit, promotion, authority etc.

D. Esteem/Ego Needs:

- Psychological and at higher level

- Self esteem: internal recognition and self respect

Public esteem: external recognition and respect from others

- Praise, prestige, recognition, power, position etc.

- Through defining position and developing the system of reward and punishment

E. Self Actualization Needs:

- At highest level and activated as a motivator when all other needs have been fulfilled

- Soul searching and inner, realize one’s capabilities and potentialities

- Seek challenging work assignment, creativity and opportunities for personal growth, independency and spontaneous

Management Full Notes: