Human Relations Perspective in Management The human relations perspective is a way of managing a business in which employees are viewed as social beings with complex needs and desires rather than simple units of production. It is based on the mid-20th century works of Abraham Maslow and Douglas McGregor. This perspective places emphasis on the social networks present in a company and uses gratification, not depravity, to provide motivation in the workplace. The human relations perspective developed in the mid-20th century and was an extension of the behavioral perspective. Before behavioral management, almost all management was considered from a classical perspective. This view focused specifically on how to create greater efficiency through technical processes with little consideration for the social aspect of work. It was only after the Hawthorne experiments that people began to realize that worker happiness has a major effect on overall productivity. The experiment began as a test of the effects of different work environments on productivity. However, as they progressed, the researchers found that no matter what they altered, productivity increased. They therefore concluded that productivity increases when employees are given attention and a say in decisions that affect their work. ( Kinicki, A., & Williams, B.K. (2008). Chapter 2. In Management: A Practical Introduction (pp. 46-49) NYC: McGraw Hill.) Previous perspectives overlooked the relationship between the employee and the work group that he/she was associated with. Hawthorne's experiments led to the definition of the behavioral point of view. This view takes a more psychological approach to management with an emphasis on understanding h...... middle of paper ...... useCoopers) This helps to give employees a sense of importance within the organization and helps satisfy their, “esteem needs” according to Maslow. They train their managers to “…support and coach rather than direct.” (Milton, F., Mr. (nd). Innovation Survey. Excerpt on September 15, 2008 by PricewaterhouseCoopers) They believe that it is up to managers to create an open environment in which people's natural abilities can be recognized. The human relations perspective is based on a more psychological approach to management and seeks to create efficiency by meeting needs of employees. The workplace is seen as a social network and employees are seen as human beings, not as production units. manager creates an open environment where employees feel involved and appreciated to achieve the highest level of productivity.