Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

142 EFFICIENCY METHODS their day’s work. The effect is inevitable ; it is part of the programme of efficiency to lower labour cost per unit. To this end an increase of overhead expenses is incurred in the improvement of condi- tions, and in the establishment of planning and of time-study departments. It is true that the actual overhead expenses per unit of output may be finally lowered, not increased, whereby the employer may get some separate profit; but he does expect to see his outlay on scientific management reflected in his diminished labour cost per unit. He contends that he is not in the same position as the employer who stimulates the workman to produce the whole extra output by his own skill, speed and exertion. He makes it quite clear that it is the undertaking of the management that the workman should be enabled to produce this extra output without undue exertion, and that he should be trained and instructed till he has the necessary skill. Then he proposes to raise his wages, for compliance with directions and general co-operation, by giving him a proportion of the profits which ensue.1 The bonus arranged by Taylor and Gantt in their systems seems to vary a good deal according to what they expected of their workmen under the new conditions; and it is not possible to quote even typical figures as has been done for the Emerson system. In the evidence quoted by Mr. Brandeis, 1 See also Hoxie s note, p. 74, to his own discussion on this lowering of piece-rates, admitting that it is justifiable when increased output is due to better organization or equipment.