International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, Vol 5, no 4, pp 1594-1598 April 2024
International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews
Journal homepage: www.ijrpr.com ISSN 2582-7421
A Study on Effect of Human Relations on Organizational Productivity
Ms. Mansi Macwan
1
, Prof. Nita Vaghela
2
1
Student, Master of Social Work in Human Resource Management, Parul Institute of Social Work, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Email Id: mansimacwan2002@gmail.com, Contact No.: +91 7990117864
2
Assistant Professor, Parul Institute of Social Work, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Email Id: nita.vaghela80004@paruluniversity.ac.in
Doi: https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.5.0424.0940
ABSTRACT
This research delves into the effect of human relations on organizational productivity in today’s competitive business environment. It explores how interpersonal
relationships, including trust, communication, leadership styles, and organizational culture, influence efficiency. This study aims to provide actionable insights for
leaders to enhance productivity through fostering strong interpersonal relationships among employees. Ultimately, the research seeks to contribute to optimizing
organizational performance amidst the evolving business landscape.
Keywords: Human Relations, Organisational Productivity
INTRODUCTION
In the fast-paced and fiercely competitive landscape of contemporary organizations, achieving and maintaining high levels of productivity is a paramount
objective. While technology, strategy, and infrastructure undoubtedly play crucial roles in shaping organizational success, the significance of human
relations cannot be overstated. The quality of interactions, communication channels, and interpersonal connections within an organization form the
foundation upon which its productivity and overall performance are built.
Organizations work to attain maximum productivity and success in today’s fiercely competitive and rapidly evolving business environment. The
importance of human relations cannot be emphasized, even while elements like technology, strategy, and infrastructure play critical roles in determining
an organization’s performance. The cornerstone for a peaceful workplace is how people engage with one another inside an organization, which ultimately
affects its productivity as a whole.
This dissertation seeks to investigate how interpersonal relationships impact Organizational Productivity. This research aims to provide insight on the
underlying variables that support or Inhibit organizational productivity by examining the complex dynamics of interpersonal Interactions, teamwork, and
employee engagement.
The interactions, communication, and interpersonal ties that take place between people within an organization are referred to as “human relations” in the
context of this study. These connections include both formal networks that grow naturally among coworkers and among employees, such as hierarchical
reporting lines and team structures. This dissertation explores the complexities of interpersonal relationships in an effort to determine how trust,
communication, leadership styles, and organizational culture affect an organization’s total efficiency.
Human relations refer to the interactions within a business environment, encompassing organizational and interpersonal dynamics. It involves managing
relationships between clients, suppliers, workers, and management to achieve organizational goals. This includes understanding events, attitudes,
opinions, and interrelationships among stakeholders to effectively manage human resources within the organization.
The Human Relations Movement emerged from studies on employee behavior, focusing on understanding what motivates workers to perform well in
official settings. Mayo, along with Roethlisberger, conducted the Hawthorne studies, which revealed the importance of factors like a positive work
environment, teamwork, and effective communication in boosting productivity. These findings underscore the significance of the human relations
movement in management history by providing insights into employee motivation and productivity improvement.
Critiques of Human Relations Theory include concerns about its potential for manipulation of employees to enhance productivity at the expense of their
well-being, under the guise of promoting employee satisfaction, which may lead to resentment and burnout. Additionally, criticisms highlight the theory’s
unilateral focus, overlooking important aspects. Despite its outdated nature, Human Relations Theory remains influential, serving as a precursor to modern
motivational theories. Consequently, contemporary discussions prioritize its enduring elements, which significantly impact individual satisfaction,
organizational well-being, and overall performance.
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The human relations approach in management emphasizes fostering positive relationships and addressing social needs to enhance worker productivity
and morale. By empowering workers, encouraging participation, and showing appreciation, organizations can improve engagement, productivity, and
reduce turnover. This approach highlights the importance of valuing employees and promoting positive interactions in achieving organizational goals.
Human relations can significantly impact organizational productivity. When employees feel valued, supported, and engaged, they tend to be more
motivated and committed to their work. Positive relationships among coworkers and between employees and managers can foster collaboration,
communication, and teamwork, leading to increased efficiency and effectiveness in achieving organizational goals. Conversely, poor human relations
characterized by conflict, mistrust, or lack of communication can hamper productivity, as it can lead to stress, absenteeism, and turnover. Therefore,
cultivating a positive work culture that emphasizes mutual respect, open communication, and teamwork is crucial for enhancing organizational
productivity.
Key human relations skills include:
1. Emotional Intelligence:
The adeptness to recognize and regulate one’s emotions, as well as those of others, fostering positive relationships crucial for managing stress and
maintaining morale amidst constant change.
2. Active Listening:
The capacity to attentively comprehend others’ perspectives without biases or assumptions, responding in a manner that validates their viewpoints and
emotions.
3. Conflict Resolution:
The skill to identify and address conflicts constructively by understanding root causes and differing perspectives, leveraging effective communication
and problem-solving techniques.
4. Empathy:
The ability to understand and share others’ feelings, facilitating a supportive and understanding work environment, thereby enhancing employee well-
being and organizational cohesion.
5. Cultural Competence:
The proficiency to effectively collaborate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, essential for fostering positive relationships and synergy
within multifaceted teams and remote work settings.
These human relations skills are vital for navigating the dynamic workplace landscape shaped by technological advancements, emphasizing the
fundamental importance of interpersonal communication and connection in driving organizational success.
Improving human relations within an organization significantly enhances organizational productivity through several strategic approaches:
1. Communication Enhancement:
By fostering transparency and trust through clear policies, open dialogue, and conflict resolution mechanisms, human relations initiatives reduce the
likelihood of miscommunication and enhance organizational efficiency.
2. Motivation and Productivity Boost:
Promoting personal growth opportunities and creating a culture of trust and risk-taking empowers employees, fostering a sense of purpose and ultimately
driving productivity within the organization.
3. Employee Collaboration Enhancement:
Establishing open communication channels, encouraging teamwork, and recognizing positive contributions fosters a collaborative workplace culture,
leading to streamlined processes and increased productivity.
4. Employee Retention:
Creating a positive work environment, offering support during challenging times, and providing growth opportunities contribute to higher employee
retention rates, reducing turnover costs and maintaining productivity levels.
5. Nurturing Creativity:
Encouraging creativity through supportive environments, recognition of innovative ideas, and risk-taking fosters innovation and problem-solving abilities,
driving organizational productivity.
6. Diversity Management:
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Implementing policies and training programs that value diversity, foster inclusion, and address conflicts effectively ensures a harmonious workplace,
maximizing the diverse talents and perspectives of the workforce for enhanced productivity.
7. Accelerating Employee Development:
Cultivating a positive working environment that values employee input and provides mentorship and development opportunities accelerates employee
growth, resulting in a skilled and motivated workforce that contributes to organizational productivity.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
M. R. Mahaputra (27 Sep 2022) presents a literature review titled "Literature Review of Salaries and Work Environment on Productivity aiming
to formulate research hypotheses regarding Human Resources Management variables. Conducted through library research utilizing online platforms like
Google Scholar and Mendeley, the review finds that wages and work environment significantly impact productivity. Additionally, it highlights other
factors such as co-worker dynamics, leadership, and workload as important considerations in understanding productivity.
E. N Ukabuilu and P. A Igbojekwe (2015) examine the influence of Human Relations Skills on hospitality establishment productivity in Nigeria’s
South-Eastern States. The study identifies six independent variables, including communication skills and teamwork, with profitability as the dependent
variable. Using a sample size of 286 participants, data analysis methods include simple percentages and Ordinal Logit Regression. Findings indicate that
employee social awareness skills significantly impact profitability. Although cooperative teamwork, participation in decision-making, and democratic
leadership style also affect profitability, the impact is not significant. Recommendations include prioritizing employee training in communication and
social awareness skills, implementing conflict management policies, and enhancing teamwork and democratic leadership to enhance profitability.
Andri Yandi (2022) underscores the critical role of human resources management in organizational effectiveness and goal attainment. The article focuses
on elucidating the factors influencing employee productivity, namely leadership, organizational culture, and work environment. It emphasizes that high
productivity levels are indicative of strong human resource capabilities, essential for overcoming internal and external challenges.
John Ugoani (2020) discusses the tensions between labor and management, attributing them to factors like ineffective communication and leadership
styles, which hinder worker productivity and organizational stability. The role of human relations is emphasized in fostering shared values, performance,
and innovation, essential for productivity. An empirical study involving 127 respondents reveals a strong positive relationship between human relations
and worker productivity. However, the study acknowledges limitations in current literature and time constraints. Further research is suggested to explore
the relationship between government policies and worker productivity, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria where labor-government conflicts
are prevalent. The study recommends maintaining open two-way internal communication to foster healthy labor-management relationships and enhance
productivity.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
OBJECTIVES
To identify the primary determinants facilitating favorable human relations within the workplace, including proficient communication,
leadership methodologies, collaborative teamwork, and conflict resolution tactics.
To determine the impact of positive human relations on employee motivation, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.
To develop recommendations for organizations seeking to improve productivity by improving human relations in the workplace.
SIGNIFICANCE
The study emphasizes the vital role of positive interpersonal connections in the workplace, which significantly impact employee well-being, job
satisfaction, and motivation, leading to higher engagement and performance levels. Cultivating a positive organizational culture through transparent
communication, collaborative teamwork, and trust-building fosters mutual trust among employees and management, enhancing commitment, morale, and
alignment with organizational goals. Favorable human relationships create a conducive work environment where employees feel empowered to voice
their ideas, enhancing productivity and effectiveness. Strategies for nurturing positive human relations include appreciation, open communication, team-
building, and support for work-life balance. Ultimately, investing in human relations is crucial for the enduring success and resilience of any organization.
SCOPE
The study explores the efficacy of adept leadership practices, effective communication channels, organizational culture, teamwork, collaboration, and
cooperation on workplace productivity. It examines how offering support and guidance enhances human relations and productivity. It analyzes the
influence of communication among employees, managers, and stakeholders on productivity. Additionally, it investigates how organizational culture
affects human relations and productivity outcomes. Overall, the study’s scope encompasses various factors related to interpersonal dynamics and their
impact on productivity.
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UNIVERSE
The universe of this research study includes all individuals who meet the criteria for inclusion, in line with the research question’s goals. More specifically,
it focuses on employees working within the organized sector on a global scale.
POPULATION
The population of interest comprises middle and lower-level employees across diverse organizations situated within the Vadodara district.
SAMPLING METHOD
The research adopts a simple random sampling technique to ensure an unbiased selection of participants.
SAMPLE SIZE
A total of 25 employees will be sampled from various organizations in Vadodara to represent the study population adequately.
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
The study employs both primary and secondary data collection methods. Primary data will be gathered through questionnaire administration directly in
the research field.
DATA PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS
SPSS software (version 25) will be utilized for data processing and analysis, facilitating the extraction of meaningful insights from the collected data.
FINDING
The study indicates a predominantly young (60% aged 20-30) and male (60%) workforce, potentially influencing organizational dynamics. Most
respondents perceive communication positively (80%) and acknowledge its impact on productivity (76%). Comfort in sharing ideas with supervisors
(44%) fosters collaboration. Team building activities (80%) and interpersonal skills training (84%) are common, enhancing camaraderie and competency.
Positive correlations exist between interpersonal relationships and motivation (100%), and their influence on decision-making (92%). Constructive
feedback is prevalent (96%), fostering development. Satisfaction with career development (56%) and HR support (84%) positively impacts productivity.
Satisfaction with HR support is high (84%), emphasizing its role in fostering positive relations and productivity. Overall, fostering positive relationships
appears crucial for mitigating workplace stress and enhancing productivity.
CONCLUSION
The study on human relations and organizational productivity reveals insights into the interconnectedness of workplace dynamics. The demographic
makeup, skewed towards younger employees with a slight gender imbalance, suggests potential impacts on communication and culture. Positive
perceptions of communication underscore its role in fostering productive relations. The correlation between positive human relations and productivity is
strongly affirmed, alongside unanimous agreement on their link to workforce motivation. Regular team activities and interpersonal skills training reflect
the organization’s commitment to nurturing healthy relationships. Strategies to address stress through positive relations are seen as viable. Constructive
feedback fosters a culture of growth and improvement. The impact of positive relations on decision-making is acknowledged. Satisfaction with career
development and HR support underscores their role in engagement and productivity. Overall, fostering positive human relations is crucial for productivity,
achieved through effective communication, strong relationships, support structures, and employee development. This approach not only enhances
productivity but also cultivates a fulfilling workplace culture.
SUGGESTION
The study underscores the impact of demographic factors like age and gender on organizational dynamics and communication. Prioritizing effective
communication channels within teams is vital, given the majority’s positive perception of communication levels. Adequate funding for human resource
management is crucial for organizational success, ensuring effective implementation of initiatives. Educational qualifications should be a requirement for
various stages of employee engagement to optimize resource utilization. Participation in seminars and conferences enhances skill development and
organizational workforce. Continuous training programs are essential for employee adaptation to dynamic environments. Positive human relations
significantly influence team productivity, emphasizing the need for supportive work environments. Promoting openness and trust within teams facilitates
collaboration and productivity. Regular team building activities foster camaraderie and cohesion. Investing in interpersonal skills training equips
employees for positive relations and productivity. Mitigating workplace stress through positive relationships indirectly enhances productivity. Providing
regular constructive feedback fosters personal and professional growth. Positive human relations positively impact decision-making processes within
teams. Prioritizing initiatives for fostering positive relations, enhancing communication, providing training, and facilitating feedback enhances
organizational productivity. Satisfaction with HR support is crucial for fostering positive relations, further boosting productivity.
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REFERENCE
Mahaputra, M. R. (2022, September 27). Effect of Salary and Work Environment on Productivity (Study of Human Resource Management Literature).
International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary. https://doi.org/10.38035/ijam.v1i2.73
Ukabuilu, E. N., & Igbojekwe, P. A. (2015, January 1). Improving Productivity of Hospitality Establishments through Human Relations Skills. SciSpace
Paper. https://typeset.io/papers/improving-productivity-of-hospitality-establishments-through-3cuxw1sqwg
Yandi, A. (2022, April 15). Literature Review Analysis of the Effect of Leadership, Organizational Culture, and Work Environment on Employee
Productivity. International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary. https://doi.org/10.38035/ijam.v1i1.7
Ugoani, J. (2020, April 24). Human Relations Role as Catalyst for Worker Productivity. SciSpace Paper. https://typeset.io/papers/human-relations-role-
as-catalyst-for-worker-productivity-42h6hatcwp
Günthner, J. (2023, October 26). 7 Strategies to improve human relations at workplace of the future. PALTRON. https://www.paltron.com/insights-en/7-
strategies-to-improve-human-relations-at-workplace-of-the-future