Hawthorne Effect and its impact in the workplace

A surveillance camera at the workplace. [Istockphoto]

The Hawthorne effect, also referred to as the observer effect, refers to a phenomenon whereby individuals improve or modify an aspect of their behaviour in response to their awareness of being observed.

Hawthorne effect is still very much existent in workplaces. For example, when employees are being observed they usually tend to work better and harder. This leads to an increase in productivity in most cases.