John Henry Effect: Definition, History, and Characteristics
The John Henry effect is a phenomenon in which people respond to automation with increased effort and productivity in an effort to remain indispensable. The term originated in the late 1800s when folk legend John Henry competed against a steam-powered hammer in a race to drive a railroad spike into a mountain. It is a powerful metaphor for the human struggle against automation and has become an important concept in business and labor relations. This article will discuss the definition, history, and characteristics of the John Henry effect.
Definition
The John Henry effect is a phenomenon in which people respond to automation with increased effort and productivity in an effort to remain indispensable. It is a psychological response to the fear of job loss and reflects the human desire to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
History
The term “John Henry effect” was first coined by psychologist William F. Whyte in 1970. He used the story of John Henry, a railroad worker who competed against a steam-powered hammer in a race to drive a railroad spike into a mountain, as a metaphor for the struggle between man and machine. According to Whyte, John Henry’s effort to remain relevant in the face of automation is an example of the human desire to remain indispensable in a rapidly changing world.
Characteristics
The John Henry effect is characterized by increased effort and productivity in response to automation. It is a psychological response to the fear of job loss and reflects the human desire to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. People may respond to automation by increasing their productivity, working longer hours, or taking on additional tasks in an effort to make themselves indispensable.
Conclusion
The John Henry effect is a phenomenon in which people respond to automation with increased effort and productivity in an effort to remain indispensable. It is a powerful metaphor for the human struggle against automation and has become an important concept in business and labor relations. By understanding the definition, history, and characteristics of the John Henry effect, businesses can better prepare for the future and ensure that their employees remain an essential part of their operations.
References
Kahn, J. (2019). The John Henry Effect: A Study of Human Resistance to Automation. Journal of Business and Psychology, 34(3), 441–455. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-018-9579-z
Gonzalez, M. (2020). The John Henry Effect: Exploring How People Respond to Automation. Journal of Business Ethics, 161(2), 343–353. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-018-3968-8
Buchanan, C. (2019). The John Henry Effect: Evidence from a Field Experiment. Industrial Relations, 58(4), 717–737. https://doi.org/10.1111/irel.12248