The performance of a select group of employees in the Hawthorne studies tended to improve, no matter how the physical surroundings were manipulated.

Hawthorne Studies

A series of studies conducted to examine how various aspects of the work environment, such as lighting and work hours, affect worker productivity, emphasizing the social and psychological factors.

Physical Surroundings

Physical surroundings refer to the environment or setting in which a person or activity is situated, including all physical conditions such as space, decor, and ambiance.