Blogspot #3: Human Relations and Human Resources Approaches

This week, we learned about the human relations and human resources approaches. In the human relation, there is the Hawthorne studies that is very interesting to me. This is the Western electric Co.’s Hawthrone plant in Illinois. The studies conducted to analyze how to maximize worker output and improve organizational efficiency. There are 4 major phases: 
+Illumination studies (not done by this research team, but findings were evaluated)
+ Relay assumbly test room studies
+Interview prgram
+Bank writing study

Findinngs: 
+ Hawthrone effect: Mere attention paid to individual causes changes in behavior.
+ Informal social factor: social interaction.
+ Management style: open communication

Next, we learned about the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory. In this theory, individuals must meet lower-order needs before he or she can move on to higher lever needs. It offers a clear example of how organization can apply human relations principles. Satisfaction of these needs leads to higher productivity. There are 5 types of needs that are consistently presented: 
+Level 5: Self-actualization (work allowing the excercise of creativity)
+Level 4: Esteem (Internal: rewarding work & External: bonus pay)
+Level 3: Affiliation (Social relationships with co-workers)
+Level 2: Safety (Physical safe working conditions)
+Level 1: Physiological ( “Living wage” to allow purchase of food, clothing)

In addition, I am also interested in the McGregor’s theory X and theorry Y. It represent the divergent assumptions that managers can hold about organizational functioning. 
+ Theory X: Represents a manager influenced by the most negative aspects of classical management theories.
+ Theory Y: Adheres to the precepts of the human relations movement.

We learned about the differences between human relations and human resources. 
+ Human relations: 
a, Content: Task & social
b, Direction: Vertical & horizontal
c, Channel: often face to face
d, Style: informal
+ Human resources:
a, Content: Task, social, & innovation
b, Direction: All direction, team-based
c, Channel: All channel
d, Style: Both, but specially informal