STRUCTURED OBSERVATION AS A METHOD TO STUDY MANAGERIAL WORK.

The article discusses different means used to study managerial works. The author feels that the diary method does not provide substantial insight into the content of managerial activities. Structured observations combine the flexibility of open-ended observation with the discipline of seeking certain types of structured data. Several different types of managers are discussed at various levels. Hawthorne effects refer to unexpected outcomes as a result of the presence of researchers which result from structured observation. The author notes that Hawthorne effects may include scheduled meetings set up far in advance, incoming telephone calls, and mail which are not influenced by the presence of an observer.