immediate, followed the completion of the "stint."
Opinions as to a preferable word will doubtless vary, but it is self-evident that the word "task" has already become so firmly established in Scientific Management that any attempt to change it would result in a confusion. It is far better to concentrate Page 133 on developing a new set of associations for it in as many minds as possible.
Decided Advantage to the Use of the Word Task. —
Perhaps in one way it is fortunate that the use of the word "task" does coincide more or less with the use of that word under Traditional Management. Under Traditional Management the task is the work to be done. It may be just as well that the same word should be used under Scientific Management, in order that both the worker and investigator may realize, that, after all the work that is to be done is, in its essentials, exactly the same.
With this realization from the beginning, the mind of the worker or investigator may be the more predisposed to note the eliminations of waste and the cutting down of time, effort and fatigue under the scientifically derived methods.
Definition of Task as Used in Scientific Management. — The task, under Scientific Management, differs from the task under Traditional Management in that —
- The tools and surrounding conditions with which the work shall be done are standardized.
- The method in which the work shall be done is prescribed.
- The time that the work shall take is scientifically determined.