of workers in the early 1900s which preceded his findings.
From 1900 to 1930, Frederick W. Taylor's concept of scientific management dominated industry. Taylor's approach advocated an assembly-line method which focused on getting the most work possible out of each employee. Time-and-motion studies were used to find the most efficient ways to perform tasks, and the piecework wage incentive was introduced as a way to motivate workers to produce more.
Taylor's approach was highly popular primarily because the business atmosphere of the time was chaotic and his methods did bring stability. However, trade unions rebelled against the principles and practices of scientific management with its complete disregard for employees' needs and concerns. The labor unrest led to a federal investigation that found good reasons to prohibit time-and-motion studies and the piecework-rate as the basis for wages. Despite all this, Taylor had a significant impact on industry. His lack of concern for the worker promoted an interest in finding new ways to manage wor
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