Definition
Taylorism refers to the principle of scientific management founded by the American engineer Frederic Winslow Taylor (1856-1915) for the purpose of increasing the productivity of work. Here, on the basis of time and motion studies, a work process is divided into the smallest units that make minimal mental demands and can be quickly repeated and learned.
A wage system (incentive wage) specially designed for these minimalist activities is intended to standardise the remuneration of the activity and increase work performance. The allocation and coordination of the work is predetermined, and the execution is monitored. Such a division of labour often leads to a one-sided burden, a feeling of monotony and heteronomy as well as physical and mental underload.
Bettina Dirks
