The Making of Scientific Management

Abstract

THE findings and interpretation of what are known as the Hawthorne Investigations, carried out in the United States for the Western Electric Co. at its Hiwtherne Plant, are of great interest to all concern with problems of industrial relations and productivity in Great Britain, where the human factor is frequently the decisive one with which management has to deal. These findings, however, have been presented in seven main publications, four of which deal directly with the research activities and their results, while the other three use certain aspects of those findings to illustrate wider industrial and sociological problems of our time, such as that of leadership in a free society. This volume draws freely on those sources, giving a connected critical account which should be welcomed by those to whom the original volumes (some of which are out of print) are inaccessible. It will give most managers a sufficiently detailed account of the investigations, even if perforce some of the stimulus and vitality of Elton Mayo's and T. N. Whitehead's original books are lacking ; and the brief notes on the original volumes which are included will direct those who wish to study the findings in more detail to the appropriate source. The Making of Scientific Management By L. Urwick E. F. L. Brech. Vol. 3: The Hawthorne Investigations. Pp. x+225+8 plates. (London: Management Publications Trust, 1948.) 12s. 6d. net.