Frederick Winslow Taylor

Profession: Mechanical Engineer

Nationality:

Biography: Frederick Winslow Taylor was an American mechanical engineer who sought to improve industrial efficiency and is known as the father of scientific management. His approach, now known as "Taylorism," revolutionized the manufacturing industry, emphasizing time studies, motion studies, and job simplification to boost productivity.

Taylor's most significant work, The Principles of Scientific Management, was published in 1911 and laid out his philosophy. He argued that by scientifically studying work and determining the most efficient way to perform specific tasks, productivity could be greatly enhanced. His concepts have had significant influence, inspiring the assembly line methods of automobile production, for instance.

Despite the effectiveness of his methods in increasing productivity, Taylor's approach was often criticized for its disregard for the human element of work. Critics argue that it reduced workers to mere cogs in the machine.

Born: March 20, 1856
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Star Sign: Pisces

Died: March 21, 1915 (aged 59)
Cause of Death: Influenza