From mechanical engineering to re‐engineering: Would Taylor be pleased with modern management

Asks the question “If Taylor and his cohorts were alive today, would they be pleased with what has become of management thought?” Discusses the underlying theme that there might be common concerns of management which are consistent across the ages,adjusting only for cultural differences. Defines modern management thought through four foci of the total quality management movement:focus on customers; continuous improvement; total participation; and social networking. Only on total participation do there seem to be important differences between Taylor and more modern authors. However,workers have changed dramatically since the beginning of the century in their desires and capabilities for participating in meaningful decision making. Taylor permitted some workers participation. If he was alive today, he would likely find the total participation movement to be quite acceptable. If so, he would likely be quite pleased with modern management thought.