Illuminating the principles of Social Exchange Theory with Hawthorne Studies

Abstract

The Hawthorne studies (1924-1933) continue to generate interest and controversy even eight decades after their conclusion. The purpose of this study is to bring Homans’ social exchange theory (SET) as an explanation for some of the findings of the Hawthorne experiments. We used combination of published work by Homans, Roethlisberger and Dickson, Mayo, and others as well as oral histories performed by Bolton and Greenwood to argue that the Hawthorne studies illustrate the principles of SET. Our purpose is to bring back Mayo’s concern as to what causes spontaneous cooperation through use of SET.