Applying the Hawthorne Effect to Project Management
The Hawthorne Effect is a phenomenon where people alter their behaviour because they know they are being observed (Mayo, 1933; Gillespie, 1991). In project management, it can influence team performance, stakeholder engagement, productivity measures, and project outcomes (PMI, 2021; Kerzner, 2022). Understanding the Hawthorne Effect helps project ma
Technique Overview
Applying the Hawthorne Effect to Project Management Definition
The Hawthorne Effect describes the tendency of individuals or teams to change their behaviour when they know they are being observed or monitored (Mayo, 1933; Chiesa and Hobbs, 2008). In project environments, this can result in temporary improvements in productivity, engagement, reporting quality, or compliance with processes (Kandula, 2003). The effect highlights the importance of human behaviour, communication, and recognition when managing project teams and stakeholders (Burnes, 2009).
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Further Reading
Applying the Hawthorne Effect to Project Management web and print resources *
Applying the Hawthorne Effect to Project Management references (4 of up to 20) *
- APM (2019) APM Body of Knowledge. 7th ed. Princes Risborough: Association for Project Management.
- Burnes, B. (2009) Managing Change. 5th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education.
- Chiesa, M. and Hobbs, S. (2008) Making Sense of Social Research. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
- Davies, A. and Mackenzie, I. (2014) ‘Project complexity and systems integration: Constructing the London 2012 Olympics’, International Journal of Project Management, 32(5), pp. 773-790.
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