The Human Relations Movement emerged in the 1930s as a response to the limitations of classical management theories. It emphasized the importance of social factors in the workplace, such as employee morale, motivation, and group dynamics. This movement highlighted that understanding human behavior could lead to improved productivity and job satisfaction.
Key figures in this movement, like Elton Mayo, conducted studies, including the famous Hawthorne Experiments, which demonstrated that workers' performance improved when they felt valued and recognized. The movement shifted focus from purely economic incentives to the psychological and social needs of employees, influencing modern management practices.