In the study of human behavior individuals thrive on the the ability to be recognized and accepted by their peers. The work place is no different. When a supervisor praises their subordinate for a job well done the employee feels good. These feelings can lead to confidence, motivation to succeed, and the sense of acceptance. According to the Hawthorne Studies, research revealed that employees who received "increased attention," which I imagine was positive attention, seemed to thrive and productivity increased. The finding in this study, known as the Hawthorne effect, revealed that "increased attention raises productivity." The study also demonstrated that regardless of the working conditions, if the group norm included positive group energy and values; productivity would increase.
I look at this example of times when I have been at work and the day has not been good. However, the camaraderie and energy of my immediate co-workers alone, may change the event from bad to good all by positive perspective. While I don't believe that personal relationships should take over the job, relationships in the work place are important for survival and social well-being. Furthermore, our need to feel accepted and recognized in the workplace satisfies the human need to feel important and needed. After all, we spend most of our adult lives working, it is important then to feel good about what we do each day. Our experiences at work can often shape what motivates us, establishes our "culture" within the job, and provides for some sort of meaning to the purpose we are serving.
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I agree with your opinion about the impacts of human behavior in the work place. I also had experienced situations in which the support coming from coworkers was the only thing that kept me in a job under a difficult situation. Many companies exercise a policy in which job and personal life have to be completely separated. However, a friendly and supportive work environment is more productive on the long run. In my experience as a manager I always supported good relations and friendship in the work place as long as it does not impede an employee from performing his or her duties. As an employee I also appreciate my superior when he was understanding and supportive to personal matters. Workplace does not have to be associated only with stress and unfriendliness.
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