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The One Best Way
656 pages, 1997
biographies & memoirs
997 books
business & management
1082 booksFrederick Winslow Taylor was the first efficiency expert, the original time-and-motion man—the father of scientific management, and the inventor of a system that became known, inevitably enough, as Taylorism.
"In the past, the man has been first. In the future, the System will be first," he predicted boldly and accurately. Taylor bequeathed to us, writes Robert Kanigel in this definitive biography, a clockwork world of tasks timed to the hundredth of a minute.
Taylor helped instill in us the obsession with time, order, productivity, and efficiency that marks our age. His influence can be seen in factories, schools, offices, hospitals, libraries, and even kitchen design.
At the peak of his celebrity in the early twentieth century, Taylor gave lectures around the country and was as famous as Edison or Ford.
To organized labor, he was a slave driver; to the bosses, he was eccentric and radical. To himself, he was a misunderstood visionary whose "one best way" would bring prosperity to workers and bosses alike.
Robert Kanigel's compelling chronicle takes Taylor from privileged Philadelphia childhood to factory floor to international fame, telling the story of a paradigmatic American figure whose influence would be felt from the New Deal to Soviet Russia and remains pervasive—even insidious—today.
In 'The One Best Way', Robert Kanigel explores the life of Frederick Winslow Taylor, the man behind the concept of 'scientific management'. This approach revolutionized the industrial world by introducing efficiency and productivity as key factors in the workplace.
Kanigel's book also looks into the effects of Taylor's methods on the workers. While it increased productivity, it also led to a more mechanical and less human work environment. This is a great reminder to always consider the human element in any system.
The book shows how Taylor's principles have shaped modern management practices. From time management to performance metrics, we can see Taylor's influence in today's corporate world. It's fascinating to see how these ideas have evolved over time.
Kanigel doesn't shy away from the controversies surrounding Taylor. He digs into the criticisms and debates that Taylor's methods sparked. This gives a balanced view of Taylor's legacy, making the book a must-read for anyone interested in management history.
Despite being written over a century ago, 'The One Best Way' is still relevant today. Kanigel's research into Taylor's life and work provides valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their management skills or understand the roots of current practices.