Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

12 EFFICIENCY METHODS As is usually the case with men who make great changes in industry, the pioneers of the new sort of management have been themselves practical men who could demonstrate. But a skilled work- man, with intelligence and capability to reconsider and modify his methods, is certainly an essential foundation in the structure to be built up ; and if he has the power to lead he will be the more useful in passing on his improved skill to other workers. It will be seen later that the adoption of edu- cational ideas entails a concern with the mental and bodily condition of the worker, so that the study of hygiene, sanitation, fatigue, and general physiology and psychology become necessary. But the dis- tinction may be made that the education of workers in methods of work is of a college rather than a school type—if one may assume that at a college the teacher has the definite intention of making the learner as capable as, or more capable than, himself whenever this can be done, and in the shortest time possible. In most Press discussions these aspects of the subject have not come fully to the front. Quota- tions could be given from the original exponents of it to show that these aspects are essential to their programme ; but the conclusion will emerge natur- ally in the sequel. We shall now discuss in detail the changes in management proposed to make it “ efficient.” A few final remarks may be made here on the word " efficiency " The Americans have over-used