Archive for December, 1914
-
Taylor Society Bulletin – December 1914 – SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT IN THE SALES DEPARTMENT
In this detailed report, H. W. Brown of the Tabor Manufacturing Company outlines how scientific management principles have been applied to optimize the activities of a sales department. Through a routing system based on geography and rail connections, standardized report forms, and a central office scheduling board, the company ensures broader and more efficient prospect coverage. The system also features a flexible response mechanism, allowing salesmen to adapt routes in real time. While the economic climate has limited measurable results, early indications suggest reduced executive oversight, improved data flow, and potential cost-per-sale reductions. Brown concludes that scientific management in sales is still in its infancy, but ripe for expansion.
-
Taylor Society Bulletin – December 1914 – SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT AND LABOR UNIONS
In this abstract from his 1914 address in Philadelphia, Frederick W. Taylor defends the principles of scientific management against criticisms from union advocates, including Harvard’s Felix Frankfurter. Taylor emphasizes that while scientific management aligns with many of labor’s human rights goals, it fundamentally opposes two core union practices: restricting output and insisting on collective bargaining. He argues that economic prosperity depends on increased productivity and that tasks and wages should be determined by experts—not negotiations. Taylor invites cooperation from unions that prioritize worker education and full effort, while recognizing the significant improvements unions have brought to working conditions.
-
Taylor Society Bulletin – December 1914 – A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT
In this passionate message, Society President H.S. Person challenges members to view the organization not as a passive mechanism but as a living organism driven by the active contributions of its members. He emphasizes that the Society’s vitality depends on internal energy—through participation, communication, dues, suggestions, and recruitment. Urging each member to give according to their ability, Person calls for renewed engagement and shared responsibility to ensure the Society’s continued growth and relevance.
-
Taylor Society Bulletin – December 1914 – COMMENT AND NEWS
At the October 24, 1914, meeting in Philadelphia, the Society’s Governing Board approved the launch of a recurring bulletin to share committee updates, job listings, meeting recaps, and professional opportunities. Members are encouraged to submit relevant information to the Secretary for inclusion. The bulletin also reiterates the need for member participation in a recent circular letter campaign to help shape future programming. A membership drive is proposed to grow the Society’s reach. The meeting featured a landmark address by Frederick W. Taylor on labor unions and scientific management, followed by a roundtable discussion and a presentation from H. W. Brown on applying Taylor principles to sales operations.
-
Taylor Society Bulletin – December 1914 – Program For The Annual Meeting
This 1914 annual meeting of early management professionals, held at the Engineering Societies Building in New York, centered around the theme “Management and Labor.” The two-day program opened with a business meeting followed by presentations from leading thinkers such as Robert G. Valentine on industrial counseling and Ernest M. Hopkins on personnel supervision. The event also featured roundtable discussions, including Charles W. Mixter’s proposed changes to wage payment systems. With participation from influential practitioners like Henry P. Kendall and Morris L. Cooke, the meeting reflected the emerging integration of scientific management with evolving labor practices.
-
Taylor Society Bulletin – December 1914 – Former Meetings of the Society
A listing of the Meetings prior to the posting of the Bulletin of The Society to Promote the Science of Management that include the formal meetings of the society including the founding meeting on December 4, 1911 at the Hotel Astor in New York.
-
Taylor Society Bulletin – December 1914 – Founding Membership
A listing of the Founding Membership of The Society to Promote the Science of Management, the original name of the Society for Advancement of Management.
-
Taylor Society Bulletin – December 1914
Explore the inaugural edition of The Bulletin of The Society to Promote the Science of Management, first published in December 1914. This historical document features foundational insights from leaders like Frederick W. Taylor and H.S. Person on labor relations, scientific management, and organizational purpose.