A Term in Psychology: The Hawthorne Effect

Ever Noticed This? 

Have you ever realized that you start acting or speaking differently when you know someone is watching you?
Most of us do this without even thinking about it—when we feel noticed, we want to show our best selves.

Here are some everyday examples:

• At work, when your boss recognizes your effort or cheers you on, you feel more motivated and bring extra energy.
• In school, if you know the teacher is watching, you’ll probably sit up, pay attention, and do your best to answer questions.

But why do we do this?
The answer comes from a fascinating psychological phenomenon called the Hawthorne Effect.

What Is the Hawthorne Effect? 

You Should Know About the “Hawthorne Effect”

Back in the 1920s near Chicago, there was a factory called Hawthorne. Even though the factory had excellent systems, workers often felt dissatisfied and the business didn’t do well.

So, Harvard psychologist Elton Mayo led his team into the Hawthorne plant for a series of experiments.
One experiment, the lighting study, involved two identical workshops:

• In one, the lighting was made brighter.
• In the other, it was made dimmer.
• Workers were told this lighting change was part of an experiment to improve productivity.

A surprise result: Both groups’ productivity increased by 15%.

Workers believed the lighting change was a scientific way to boost their efficiency. They were given a psychological suggestion that led them to work harder in both workshops.

Another example: In welfare studies, after more than two years of experimentation, researchers found that increasing or decreasing worker welfare both led to increased efficiency.

Why?
Further investigation showed it was not the lighting or welfare changes themselves—but the fact that workers felt honored to be chosen for the experiments and felt noticed and respected by the researchers.

From this, Elton Mayo made a key discovery:

“Workers perform better simply because they know they’re being observed.”

He called this the Hawthorne Effect.

Key Concept: The Power of Being Observed 

The Hawthorne Effect is this:
When people know they’re being watched or paid attention to, they unconsciously adjust their behavior to match expectations or show off their best side.

You might have heard of the “Mirror Effect” too. It’s the idea that people’s behavior often depends on self-awareness that forms through social interaction.
How others view us and respond to us creates a “mirror” through which we see and understand ourselves.

When people know they’re being observed:

• Their self-awareness grows.
• They believe their actions are meaningful and will be evaluated.
• They compare their behavior with the expectations of others (this is called Social Comparison Theory).

So, when a student knows a teacher is paying attention, he/she will adjust posture and become more eager to answer questions.
The student wants to meet the teacher’s expectations of good classroom behavior and a positive attitude.

From another angle, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs shows us that being noticed meets our need for respect and self-esteem.

• If people feel important and valued, they're motivated to do better.

For example, in the workplace, when employees sense that their boss is focused on their work, they find more significance in what they do and work harder to earn recognition.
This inner motivation leads to more engagement, better quality, and higher efficiency.

How to Use the Hawthorne Effect to Influence Others 

Knowing this, how can we use the Hawthorne Effect in everyday life to encourage positive change in others?

1. Offer Positive, Active Attention

Don’t just passively observe—be proactive in showing attention and expressing your expectations. Let people know you’re watching and care about their behavior.
That’s what can encourage them to move in a better direction.

Example: Teachers and Students

• If a teacher wants students to do well, they should make students feel like valued individuals.
• During class, use eye contact with every student, especially those who are quiet or struggling.
• Whenever a student answers—right or wrong—offer encouraging looks and listen patiently. Let them know their ideas are taken seriously.
• After class, take time for one-on-one chats to learn about their struggles, interests, or home life.
• When students feel important, they’re more motivated to put in effort.

2. Give Positive Feedback and Encouragement

Don’t hold back praise. Timely, genuine encouragement is one of the strongest drivers for change.

A real-life example:
US “Steel King” Andrew Carnegie offered a young man named Charles Schwab a million-dollar salary as CEO—because Schwab was amazing at managing people.

When asked about his success, Schwab replied:

“I think I was born with the ability to inspire enthusiasm. The greatest way to bring out the best in a person is through appreciation and encouragement.
Criticism from a boss or senior, no matter how well-intentioned, destroys ambition. Whether it’s a king or a common person, everyone works better when they feel recognized, not criticized.
I never criticize anyone. I believe praise and encouragement are the real driving forces for people. If I enjoy anything, it’s sincerely and generously praising others.”

Relationship tip:
If you want your partner to improve, praise them more (honestly, of course). Encourage your friends and family to notice and complement your loved one’s strengths too.

Letting those close to them recognize their good qualities motivates positive growth.

3. Build a Positive, Uplifting Environment

A positive atmosphere matters!
When the environment is healthy, change and growth happen naturally.

Every environment has its own set of accepted norms and good habits. In a place where everyone strives to learn or do better, good habits naturally rub off.

Example: Family and Studying

• In a chaotic family, it’s tough for a child to study well.
• But if parents keep reading, learning, or working hard, kids will follow.

Example: Health & Fitness

• If everyone around you is exercising and eating healthy, new members will absorb these habits too.
• Seeing others jog every day makes you want to join, and the group’s support helps you stick to new routines.

In short:
If you want someone to change, start by changing their surroundings.

Key Takeaways: Harnessing the Hawthorne Effect for Growth 

The Hawthorne Effect shows us the powerful influence of attention and recognition.
Thoughtful praise and focus can build someone up.

And for yourself, the more you focus on personal development, the closer you’ll get to the person you want to become.

So, whether at work, school, or home:

• Pay attention
• Offer encouragement
• Create positive spaces

Because being noticed isn’t just comforting—it can transform lives.

“Who you strive to be, and the attention you give yourself, shapes who you will become.”

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