According to the Hawthorne effect, which of these factors has the greatest impact on productivity?

The concept of the Hawthorne effect highlights that individuals modify their behavior in response to their awareness of being observed. This phenomenon was identified in a series of studies at the Hawthorne Works factory in the 1920s and 1930s, where researchers found that workers' productivity increased not necessarily because of changes in the work environment, but rather due to the attention they received from the researchers.

Among the factors listed, employee recognition stands out as having a significant influence on productivity. When employees feel acknowledged and appreciated for their contributions, it boosts their morale and motivates them to perform better. This recognition can come in various forms, such as verbal praise, awards, or positive feedback, all of which reinforce their sense of value within the organization.

While changes in the work environment, team collaboration, and management supervision are important, they do not capture the essence of the Hawthorne effect as directly as employee recognition does. The studies illustrated that employees respond positively when they feel valued and noticed, which aligns closely with the principles of the Hawthorne effect, making employee recognition the most impactful factor on productivity in this context.