Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

REMUNERATION 137 kind claims a share of the extra profit from extra output by the worker, it is a claim that can be substantiated, even if the proportion in which the profit is shared has still to be discussed. All leaders of the efficiency movement lay the greatest stress on its being, primarily, the business of the management to get work done well and done quickly, and not to leave either quality or quantity to the individual exertions of each worker, according to his lights. We must now describe in detail the three best known methods of remuneration, as used by three of the leaders.1 Dr. Taylor’s differential piece-rate is known to the Link Bélt workers as “ the two piece-rate ” system. A certain number of pieces per hour or per day is fixed as the standard. For the whole number of pieces, if above the standard, the worker is paid at a certain rate ; if his number is below the standard he is paid for all at a different, lower, rate. A simple example is given by Dr. laylor of men who were paid 35c. per “ piece ” when they made 10 or more than 10 in a day; and only 25c. per piece when they made less than 10. The simplicity of this method seems its only attraction, as there appears a great injustice if one compares the treat- 1 A very complete and clear account of them is given in R. F. , Hoxie’s " Scientific Management and Labour,” pp. 65-75- Schloss refers to Taylor’s piece-rate system in a perfunctory and misleading way on p. 91 (edition 1898), mentioning only the cut in rate, for not completing the specified amount. But “ Shop Management ” had not been published, and very little was known about J ay lor s work.