Guide to Management Theory of Elton Mayo

The Management Theory of Elton Mayo can help you build more productive teams
By Jeanne Dininni

Elton Mayo's contribution to management theory helped pave the way for modern human relations management methods. Based on his well-known Hawthorne experiments, Mayo's management theories grew from his observations of employee productivity levels under varying environmental conditions. His experiments drew a number of conclusions about the real source of employee motivation, laying the groundwork for later approaches to team building and group dynamics. Mayo management theory states that employees are motivated far more by relational factors such as attention and camaraderie than by monetary rewards or environmental factors such as lighting, humidity, etc.

Elton Mayo developed a matrix which he used to illustrate the likelihood that a given team would be successful. His matrix demonstrates the role that varying combinations of group norms and group cohesiveness play in team effectiveness. The following are the four combinations of Mayo theory and the effect of each on team dynamics:

1. Groups with low norms and low cohesiveness are ineffective; they have no impact, since none of the members are motivated to excel, according to Mayo's theory.

2. Groups with low norms and high cohesiveness have a negative impact, since fellow members encourage negative behavior (e.g., gangs).

3. Groups with high norms and low cohesiveness have some degree of positive impact through individual member accomplishments.

4. Groups with high norms and high cohesiveness have the greatest positive impact, Mayo's theory predicts, since group members encourage one another to excel.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the concepts of Mayo's theory and how they can benefit you Numerous websites provide valuable information about Mayo theory. In addition to diagrams, summaries and explanations of Mayo management principles, you'll find various videos and instructional materials that can help you develop the background knowledge and practical expertise to put Mayo's theories to work for your company.

I recommend: The ACCEL Team Supervisor's Guide to Employee Motivation contains a section called Elton Mayo's Hawthorne Experiments, which lists the conclusions to be drawn from these experiments and how they affect employee teamwork, productivity and motivation. The Good and Bad Teams video presentation, available on YouTube, explores Mayo's theory of group dynamics, explaining how the comparative levels of group norms and group cohesiveness determine the effectiveness of a given team.

Take advantage of consulting services that can help give you greater insight into Mayo theory Consultants with knowledge and experience in the management theory of Elton Mayo can guide you in maximizing the benefit of his principles in your own company's unique environment.

I recommend: Morgan Management Consulting offers leadership consulting, coaching and training in employee motivation, which is based in part on Elton Mayo's theory of management, developed through his Hawthorne Studies. And Glenn Parker, a team-building consultant offers various other services in addition to consulting.

Take advantage of resources designed to help you make the most of Mayo's management theories Widely available online tools and resources can help you more easily implement Elton Mayo management principles. Videos and various other Elton Mayo theory-based products, information and services let you choose the resources most valuable to your business.

I recommend: The Resource Connection offers its Team Dimensions Profile online software, along with various other web-based profile and report applications, which can provide insight into the effectiveness of your company's teams. The site also offers podcasts which provide a richer experience for anyone using the above profiles and reports. The American Management Association (AMA) offers its Leader's Edge e-newsletter, which provides guidance in leading, motivating and inspiring your teams in the tradition of Mayo's management theory. And Teambuilding, Inc. provides an array of team-enhancing activities and assessment materials through its online store.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Consider the many benefits of putting the Elton Mayo management theory to work for your business. If you decide to use it, why not go all out and practice it in all the areas it can effectively address: your own leadership of the company, your managers' development and your employees' engagement.