Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

THE FOREMEN 55 that a machine must go temporarily out of use ; but he does direct the men in the proper oiling and general care of the machines while in use. A very important feature of his work is the care of the belts which connect the machine with the power which drives it. Here once again we encounter the outcome of Dr. Taylor’s habit of careful investiga- tion on any point bearing on efficiency. The result of nine years’ observation and experiment on belts was the conclusion that “ belts properly cared for according to a standard method by a trained labourer would average twice the pulling power, and only a fraction of the interruptions to manu- facture, of those tightened according to the usual methods.” 1 The eighth individual in this formidable array is the disciplinarian. It would certainly be more euphonious to call him the peace-maker, as has been suggested by Mrs. Gilbreth and others. He is responsible for exacting fines, or any other form of penalty for breaking rules, or for insubordination. He should therefore be in charge of the men’s records, and it would certainly be advisable that he should engage them in the first instance, though Taylor himself does not suggest this activity for him, merely assigning it generally to the planning department. However, he does contemplate only one person in the establishment, if not very large, acting in the capacity of disciplinarian, so this last i “ Shop Management,” p. 125. Paper to Amer. Soc. of Mechanical Engineers, 1893.