Citation

Wilensky JL, Wilensky HL. Am. J. Sociol. 1951; 57(3): 265-280.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1951, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

10.1086/220945

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The counseling program at the Hawthorne Works is analyzed in terms of its objective consequences for management's control of workers and in terms of the participant's definition of its function. Despite some resistance to the program on all levels and certain limits to its use as an intelligence service of management, the counseling organization assists the carrying-out of managerial control: it acts as a good-will agent and drains off resentment and bitterness that might otherwise gain expression through militant unionism. Counseling is found to be directed to supervisor, workers, and union representatives alike.