Henry Ford and Scientific Management: The Transformation of Labor in the Early 20th

Century

Industrial Revolution 1850-1900

• The early drive for efficiency and profit• The barrier of premodern work culture

Frederick Winslow Taylor (1856-1915)

• Scientific management• “time and motion” studies

Henry Ford (1863-1947)

The Assembly Line

• “bringing work to the workers”• Model T production: 12 hours 90 minutes

Broad Issues Suggested by Shift Toward Scientific Management

• Quality of work experience?• The meaning of work?• The reward for work?