A rational wages system

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SOME NOTES ON THE METHOD OF PAYING THE WORKER A REWARD FOR EFFICIENCY IN ADDITION TO WAGES
BY HENRY ATKINSON
MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS: ENGINEER EXPERT TO THE MIXED TRIBUNAL, CAIRO
LONDON G. BELL AND SONS, LTD. 1917

The question of scientific management, or the replacement of guesswork by a common-sense study of the principles in economical and efficient production, has not received the consideration it deserves in this country; but one effect of the war has been to show the possibilities of increasing production by a scientific study of factory methods.
I believe that a much greater amount of interest will be taken in the subject in future, and the fact that co-operation between the management and the workers is the first essential to success cannot be too strongly emphasised.
From my own personal experience of its installation in England, I can only say that, when approached broad-mindedly by both sides, the workers have nothing to fear and, indeed, everything to gain by it.
This description by Mr. Atkinson should prove very useful in bringing the principles of one branch of scientific management, that branch which most nearly affects the workers, to the notice of all concerned in efficiency methods, and it is to be hoped that it will prepare the way for a better understanding between employer and worker.