Human Behavior Case Study

1. Discuss the major human behavior theories and their communication implications for contemporary organizations.

Today, most contemporary organizations utilize major human behavior theories to be competitive amongst other organizations. However, it is important to discuss not only the theories themselves, but it is imperative to understand the associated communication implications in regards to each theory. Altogether, human behavior theories focus on the how individuals are influenced, what inspires them, and how that inspiration and motivation ultimately influences the organization. Thus, when it comes to human behavior theories, there are several ideas that seek to explain and rationalize human behavior in regards to organizations.

As a curious professor, Elton Mayo was eager to see if there were any connections between the physical conditions of the workplace environment and its relationship to productivity. Thus, to determine if a relationship existed, Mayo, along with some of his colleagues, conducted an experiment at the Chicago Hawthorne plant of the Western Electric Company. To test if physical conditions affected the productivity, Mayo and his colleagues began altering conditions to see if a change in productivity was noticeable. To everyone’s surprise, no matter the changed condition, the productivity increased. Therefore, this effect became known as the Hawthorne effect, which suggests, “group norms that influence productivity apart from the physical productive environment” (Shockley-Zalabak, 2012, p. 78). Thus, contemporary organizations that regularly enable the Hawthorne effect will experience increased productivity that will lead to organizational communication competencies being strengthened. After all, when conditions change, those alterations will need to be communicated and thus indirectly reinforce communication skills and competencies in the

Proposed by Douglas McGregor, Theory X-Theory Y is a unique way to distinguish between the Scientific Management (Theory X) and Human Behavior Perspectives (Theory Y). Theory X focuses on human nature, particularly concerned with hierarchical structure, management, decision making, and performance; whereas Theory Y details assumptions concerning motivation, satisfaction, and productivity (Shockley-Zalabak, 2012, p. 78). Depending on the stance of the those in charge of the organization, it can have different associated communication implications. In other words, if the leaders are more geared towards Theory X, the organization will have unambitious organization members that avoid work and responsibilities so they must be directed and guided. Theory Y leaders, on the other hand, will have organization members that are ambitious and want responsibilities (Shockley-Zalabak, 2012, p. 79). Thus, the organizational communication is influenced by Theory X-Theory Y as communications will either need to be purposeful and provide directions, or the communication will need to be more assuring and affirmative in accordance with either the Theory X or the Theory Y