Introduction

Nawal, a recent graduate from I.I.M., Bangalore, joined his father's small business after completing his studies. His father, a retired government officer, observed Nawal's work with the semi-skilled workers and made a statement regarding the Hawthorne studies. In this response, we will analyze whether Nawal's father understood and interpreted the Hawthorne studies correctly and discuss Nawal's possible reaction to his father's comments.

Hawthorne Studies

The Hawthorne studies were conducted at the Western Electric Hawthorne Works in Chicago between 1924 and 1932. These studies aimed to understand the relationship between productivity and work conditions. The key findings of the studies were as follows:

1. Productivity and Lighting: The initial studies focused on the impact of lighting conditions on productivity. Surprisingly, it was found that regardless of whether the light was increased or decreased, productivity improved. This led to the conclusion that workers' awareness of being observed and the attention they received played a significant role in their productivity.

2. Human Relations and Productivity: The studies extended to examine the impact of various factors, such as rest breaks, working hours, supervision, and incentive schemes, on productivity. It was found that attention and care towards workers' needs and concerns significantly improved their satisfaction and productivity.

Did Nawal's Father Understand the Hawthorne Studies Correctly?

Based on the information provided, it is unclear whether Nawal's father understood the Hawthorne studies correctly. While he observed Nawal working with the workers, the statement he made does not explicitly mention the key findings of the Hawthorne studies. Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether his interpretation was accurate.

Nawal's Possible Reaction

If Nawal were to receive his father's comments, his reaction could vary depending on his understanding of the Hawthorne studies and his relationship with his father. Here are a few possible reactions Nawal might have:

1. Curiosity: Nawal might be curious about his father's statement and seek clarification regarding the specific aspects of the Hawthorne studies he was referring to.

2. Agreement: If Nawal has studied the Hawthorne studies during his time at I.I.M., he might agree with his father's observation and engage in a meaningful discussion about the implications of the studies on their business.

3. Disagreement: If Nawal has a different understanding of the Hawthorne studies or believes that his father's interpretation is incorrect, he might respectfully express his disagreement and provide his perspective based on his education and experience.

4. Collaboration: Nawal might view his father's comment as an opportunity for collaboration and improvement. He could suggest implementing some of the findings from the Hawthorne studies in their business to enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is uncertain whether Nawal's father understood and interpreted the Hawthorne studies correctly based on the information provided. Nawal's reaction to his father's comments would depend on his understanding of the studies, his relationship with his father, and his willingness to engage in a dialogue to explore the implications of the studies on their business.