TAYLOR'S CONTRIBUTION TO COST ACCOUNTING: A COMMENT

Frederick Winslow Taylor developed a system of cost accounting while at the Midvale Steel Company (1878 to 1890). In their article on his contribution to the development of cost accounting, Chen and Pan suggest that Taylor has not received the credit he deserves. They also assert a close association between cost accounting and scientific management. Finally, Chen and Pan compare Taylor's work with a book published in 1885 by Metcalfe. In this comment, Taylor's contribution is more critically evaluated. As he did nothing to promote cost systems, it is concluded that he has received the credit due to him. MetcaJfe's book is also evaluated, and placed in the perspective of other publications of the period.