Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

174 EFFICIENCY METHODS involves a minimum of dissatisfaction? . . . There is implied in this fundamental principle that the work of individuals should be governed by their tastes, which desideratum seems to necessitate freedom in the choice of work, agencies for dis- covering and training tastes, and facilities for bringing individuals to the work that suits them. Given the realization of this desideratum, can it be doubted that the quantity and quality of the ponderable output would be improved ? ” An English employer desiring to instal the new efficiency methods as his contribution towards these ideals, is almost certain to have to deal very soon and very intricately with the English Trades Unions. It is true that the effect of the war has been to introduce into many industries unskilled, semi-skilled and female labour, which are much less organized. There seems reason to think that the whole training, in standard motions and in working to tasks, is more easily imparted to women than to men. If this should be so, an employer wishing to adopt the new methods may be more tempted than others to retain female labour. But he will be bound as much as others to the pledge to reinstate skilled men. And scientific management must vindicate its claim to benefit the skilled worker. 1 See also Harrington Emerson, " Efficiency as a Basis for Operation and Wages" (Engineering Magazine, vol. xxxvi., p. 178). “ It must be made pleasanter and more agreeable for the worker to attain standard output than to fall below it.” Some people would interpret this as meaning merely that it would be unpleasant and disagreeable if he fell below it.