Harrington Emerson quotes

In selecting human assistants such superficialities as education, as physical strength, even antecedent morality, are not as important as the inner attitudes, proclivities, character, which after all determine the man or woman. (Harrington Emerson)
Twelve Principles of Efficiency. View quote
Harrington Emerson
The schedule is a moral contract or agreement with the men as to a particular machine operation, rate of wages and time. Any change in men [etc. ] calls for a new schedule. View quote
Harrington Emerson
Staff standards are not theological abstractions, but scientific approximations, and are evolved for the use of the line, the sole justification of the standards being that they will make line work more efficient. Staff standards being for the benefit of the line and often entrusted to line officials, must be put in the form of permanent instructions so that all may understand what is being aimed at, and deviations by the line be noted and reprimanded. View quote
Harrington Emerson
It is psychology, not soil or climate, that enables a man to raise five times as many potatoes per acre as the average in his own state. View quote
Harrington Emerson
We have not put our trust in Kings; let us not put it in natural resources, but grasp the truth that exhaustless wealth lies in the latent and as yet undeveloped capacities of individuals, of corporations, of States. View quote
Harrington Emerson
The type for the great newspaper is set up by linotype operators. Apprenticeship is rigorously limited. Some operators can never get beyond the 2500-em class, others with no more personal effort can set 5000 ems. Do the employers test out applicants for apprenticeship so as to be sure to secure boys who will develop into the 5000-em class? They do not: they select applicants for any near reason except the fundamental important one of innate fitness. View quote
Harrington Emerson
The competent specialist who has supplemented natural gifts and good judgment by analysis and synthesis can perceive attitudes and proclivities even in the very young, much more readily in those semi-matured, and can with almost infallible certainty point out, not only what work can be undertaken with fair hope of success, but also what slight modification or addition and diminution will more than double the personal power. View quote
Harrington Emerson
The individual effort method of increasing the reward of the wage-earner includes all that is best in other methods, and attempts to exclude all that is objectionable. Its good points are summed up as follows:. View quote
Harrington Emerson
Extra compensation above the hourly rate is paid even if standard time is not reached, although this extra compensation diminishes in percentage above standard time-and-a-half. View quote
Harrington Emerson
The arrangement is one of mutual benefit to both parties - of increased earning to the worker, of increased saving to the employer. (Harrington Emerson)
The wage-earner determines his own earning power, and by co-operating to cut out wastes increases his own value. View quote
Harrington Emerson
Competent counsel: the organisation should seek wise advice, turning to external experts if it lacks the necessary staff expertise. View quote
Harrington Emerson
Reliable, immediate and adequate records: measurement over time is important in determining if efficiency has been achieved. View quote
Harrington Emerson
Standardized conditions workplace conditions should be standardized according to natural scientific precepts, and should evolve as new knowledge becomes available. View quote
Harrington Emerson
Efficiency reward: if workers achieve efficiency, then they should be duly rewarded. View quote
Harrington Emerson

Harrington Emerson

Born: August 2, 1853
Died: September 2, 1931
Quotes count: 16
Wikipedia: Harrington Emerson