Taylorism

noun

Tay·​lor·​ism ˈtā-lər-ˌi-zəm 

: a factory management system developed in the late 19th century to increase efficiency by evaluating every step in a manufacturing process and breaking down production into specialized repetitive tasks

Examples of Taylorism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Roethlisberger and Dickson were associated with the Human Relations School, a cadre of management scientists in and around Harvard Business School who largely rejected the cold brutality of Taylorism, which optimized time and motion in production. —Lily Scherlis, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025

These organizations subscribe to varying degrees of Taylorism, a management philosophy built on the belief that there is one best way to do every task. —Spencer Dorn, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

However, Taylorism had a dark side, emphasizing the importance of machines over humans and managers over employees. —Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024

The impact of 1920s innovations Mass production became a reality, due to methods such as Taylorism, developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor, which aimed to optimize the efficiency of workers and production processes. —Carlos Moreno, Fortune, 7 May 2024

The principles of Taylorism changed business and management forever. —Jim Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Frederick W. Taylor †1915 American engineer

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Taylorism

• autism
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