Human Relations Approach

Human relations movement developed in response to limitations observed in theory and practice of scientific management. These limitations have been discussed earlier. Elton Mayo was most important contributor to human relations approach. He conducted several experiments in industry known as HOWTHRONE experiments. Findings of these experiments stimulated human relations approach. It was.found during such experiments that productivity was dependent on satisfaction of employees. Social and psychological factors like interpersonal relationship, attitudes and values of employees should be given due attention at the workplace. Productivity could increase because of satisfaction which workers derived from work. Informal relationships in workgroup had positive impact on workers. Hence, managers should be able to understand employees as human beings. If workers had healthy relationship, it could lead to increase in productivity. Supervisors should be provided training in human relations. Most important contribution of this approach was that it shifted attention from machine to men. 

Criticism 

Human relation approach faced some problems  in industry. Firstly, it was observed that satisfied employee was not always productive employee. Secondly, all satisfied employees do not devote themselves to work. A cohesive group may be high producer as well as low producer depending upon various other factors in company. Industry experience has made it clear that productivity depends on several factors. Only introduction of scientific method or maintaining human relations could not achieve productivity.