The Ideas of Frederick W. Taylor: An Evaluation

The ideas and techniques of Frederick W. Taylor are examined with respect to their validity and their acceptance in modern management. With respect to the principle of scientific decision making and techniques such as time study, standardization, goal setting, money as a motivator, scientific selection, and rest pauses, Taylor's views were fundamentally correct and have been generally accepted. Most of the major criticisms that have been made of Taylor are unjustified. Taylor's genius has not been appreciated by many contemporary writers.