Monday, 9 February 2026

 

📘 Human Relations & Behavioural Approach


1️⃣ Human Relations Approach

The Human Relations Approach emerged as a reaction to the mechanical view of classical administration. It emphasized the human and social aspects of administration.

Main Contributor: Elton Mayo
Famous Study: Hawthorne Experiments

🔹 Hawthorne Experiments – Key Findings

  • Workers are motivated by social needs
  • Informal groups influence productivity
  • Attention to workers increases efficiency
  • Morale is crucial in organisations

Contribution: Shifted focus from machines to people

Criticism: Overemphasis on harmony, ignored power and conflict


2️⃣ Behavioural Approach

The Behavioural Approach introduced scientific study of human behaviour in administration and criticized vague administrative principles.

Main Thinker: Herbert Simon

🔹 Core Ideas

  • Decision-making is the heart of administration
  • Administrators work under constraints
  • Complete rationality is impossible

Key Concept: Bounded Rationality

Contribution: Brought realism and scientific rigour to Public Administration

Criticism: Too individual-centric, neglects values and institutions


📝 UPSC Answer Enrichment

  • Link Human Relations with Ethics & Governance
  • Use Simon in answers on decision-making
  • Add Indian examples (civil services, district administration)

Prepared for UPSC Aspirants by Shaktimatha Learning

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