Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

CHAPTER V MODIFICATIONS IN ORGANIZATION {Continued') C. The Foremen We will begin with an account of Functional Foremen as Taylor planned their functions. Much attention has been attracted by his views on this question, as they involved from the first a radical change in the conception of a foreman’s work; but it must be remembered that his ideas are only a special feature in functional management, and that the common practice of his disciples often diverges considerably from them, according to expediency. Dr. Taylor 1 visualized an ordinary foreman as a person continually harassed by conflicting duties ; trying to superintend the whole work of a dozen or more other people, trying to look ahead and see what is going to be wanted next in every corner of his shop, always responsible for the quantity and quality of everybody’s work, and for the methods of making the workers keep up to the mark ; ready to act promptly and effectively in every sort of emer- gency, and, finally, finding time to put down brief notes of all the things to be done and items which ought to be reported. Taylor contended that the 1 Taylor, " Shop Management,” p, 94, et sec[. 51