Work Psychology and the Hawthorne Studies

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary conclusion drawn by Mayo and Roethlisberger regarding the Hawthorne studies?

That changes in the physical work environment systematically affected productivity.
That the main driver of increased work performance was the change in compensation.
That the most important aspect was worker participation in decision making.
That increased productivity was primarily due to the development of strong team friendships. (correct)

Despite the weaknesses in their evidence, what key area of ideas did the Hawthorne studies significantly influence?

Social relations at work, motivation, and group dynamics. (correct)
Statistical analysis methods in work-related research.
The effect of physical workplace factors on productivity and efficiency.
The importance of financial incentives on employee motivation.

What is a core aim of contemporary work psychology?

To prioritize employee productivity above all other concerns.
To isolate the effects of individual differences on job performance.
To optimize work organization while also maximizing worker well-being. (correct)
To minimize worker input in work organization and methods.

Which of the following disciplines does contemporary work psychology NOT significantly incorporate?

Classical physics and chemistry. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key assumption within contemporary work psychology regarding sustainable work performance?

Sustainable performance requires consideration of task demands and worker characteristics, health and well-being. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Who are considered to be the authors of the first truly scientific texts on the association between work and health?

Agricola and Ramazzini. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What major historical event marked the start of new manufacturing processes?

The industrial revolution (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to later re-analysis, what was discovered about the productivity increases reported in the Hawthorne studies?

That productivity did not increase at all. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Since the mid-1970s, what significant shift has occurred in developed economies regarding employment?

A large increase in service sector jobs and a decrease in manufacturing jobs. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How has technological advancement affected physically demanding manufacturing jobs?

New technologies have made these jobs less labor intensive. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is 'emotion work', as described in the context of service jobs?

Explicit rules regarding the expression of emotions in customer interaction. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical requirement for service employees when interacting with customers?

To show positive emotions and be friendly. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a highly educated employee who applies theoretical and analytical knowledge to develop new services?

Knowledge worker. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these was NOT mentioned as a typical area for knowledge workers?

Assembly line work. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was considered the most valuable asset of a 20th century company compared to a 21st century institution?

Its production equipment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does `cognitive load` refer to in the context of knowledge work?

The load or effort related to the working memory's executive control. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary shift in production methods that affected employment?

From artisanal piece-for-piece production to mass production (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the focus of psychotechnics?

Applying psychological insights to optimize worker-vocation matches (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key characteristic of Frederick Taylor's system of scientific management?

Optimization of tasks alongside strict supervision and pay-for-performance systems (C) Signup and view all the answers

The human relations movement, which followed scientific management, primarily emphasized what aspect of work?

The social context in which work tasks are performed (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does contemporary work psychology aim to promote, according to the text?

Employee sustainable performance and satisfactory well-being (C) Signup and view all the answers

When were most job (re-)design theories developed?

In the mid-twentieth century (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which levels are mentioned as undergoing transformations in the world of work?

Macro, meso and micro levels (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is a major driver of recent changes in the way we live and work?

Modern technological advancements (D) Signup and view all the answers

What impact has technology had on the nature of work?

It has enabled remote work and increased the use of collaborative tools. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What has happened regarding the demographic features of work organizations in the last 50 years?

Workforces have become more diverse in terms of gender, age, ethnicity and other factors. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major benefit of the use of technology in the workplace?

It aims to enhance productivity, efficiency and innovation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the ongoing challenges related to the increased workforce diversity?

Persistent issues like pay inequity, unconscious bias, and barriers to career progression for underrepresented groups. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between employee openness to experience and team performance, according to Homan et al. (2020)?

Higher levels of employee openness have been associated with better team performance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of technological advancements in the workplace?

To provide employees with more opportunities to work smarter. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How have collaborative tools affected team dynamics?

They have transformed the way teams collaborate and communicate. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the subject of current research and debate concerning technology in the workplace?

Whether technology can consistently enhance productivity and innovation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason many diversity programs fail in organizations?

They are disconnected from managers' daily work. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What primary benefit do Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) provide to employees?

They allow better management of workload and reduce stress. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a reason for the increased adoption of Flexible Work Arrangements?

The desire for a traditional office environment. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How can managers contribute to creating a more inclusive workplace?

By providing equal access to opportunities for diverse employees. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What significant change in work arrangements has been observed in recent years?

A move towards more Flexible Work Arrangements. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What concern is associated with remote work in Flexible Work Arrangements?

Challenges in building relationships with colleagues. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the meta-analysis results, what positive outcome is associated with Flexible Work Arrangements?

Better physical health and reduced absenteeism. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a shared responsibility in fostering a diverse workplace?

Both employees and managers should participate in diversity efforts. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the time-and-motion studies conducted by Frank and Lillian Gilbreth?

To reduce the steps needed to conduct a task (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how Tayloristic principles can be applied to volunteer work?

They provide a framework for measuring volunteer performance. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If applying Lillian Gilbreth's principles to kitchen organization, where should the refrigerator ideally be placed?

Adjacent to the cooking area to minimize movement (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of modern work is emphasized through flexible work designs?

New ways of working such as hybrid models (C) Signup and view all the answers

How might human resource managers support employees in flexible work environments?

By offering training on self-management (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which principle of the human relations movement could be beneficial for improving volunteer performance?

Enhancing communication and teamwork (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential disadvantage of hybrid work mentioned in flexible work designs?

Increased difficulty separating work and personal life (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tasks would benefit from applying principles from time-and-motion studies?

Preparing and serving food for an event (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hawthorne Studies' Impact

The Hawthorne studies, despite showing no evidence for productivity enhancements, significantly contributed to our understanding of work dynamics by highlighting the impact of team spirit, cooperation, and social relations on work performance.

Modern Work Psychology Goals

Modern work psychology aims to optimize work organization, methods, and job characteristics to improve employee productivity while prioritizing worker health and well-being.

Interdisciplinary Nature of Work Psychology

Work psychology is interdisciplinary, drawing on various fields like medicine, ergonomics, and psychology to understand work.

Sustained Work Performance Factors

Sustained work performance, according to work psychology, requires aligning task demands, worker characteristics, and worker health and well-being.