Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

200 EFFICIENCY METHODS have been scandalous examples of the worst sort of speeding-up of workmen by methods superficially resembling time- and motion-study, with no fatigue- study, no allowances, as well as no real elemental time-study. These facts are greatly to be regretted, as the use of the studies, in the proper hands, should prove as much a help to the workman in making his work convenient and more pleasant as they are to the commercial success of the undertaking. Detailed planning of work must be introduced with much care and tact, otherwise it is apt to be resented and strongly resisted by the foremen. They are naturally ready to resent any curtailing of their scope and authority, and are given to regard an “ order-of-work ” clerk as an interloper. Their dislike of him may show itself in constant com- plaints about his instructions, and those of the planning department generally ; and also in a silent obstruction of his work. The actual starting-point and the lines of develop- ment must be decided by the conditions in each case. No hard-and-fast programme can be laid out. But one preliminary is essential, and must be taken in hand at the outset. The statistics of all kinds, which indicate the present condition of affairs before the change is begun, must be carefully ascertained and compiled. Otherwise there is nothing to start from, and nothing to compare progress with. This compilation will take time and money, as many data will be required which in most cases are not ready to hand; and reorganization may have to