The Psychology of Management by Lillian Moller Gilbreth

for the work. SYNTHESIST AN ADVISER ON INTRODUCTION OF NEW METHODS.--Having constructed the standard tasks or standard methods which are new, the synthesist must remember to introduce his new task or method with as few new variables as possible. He should so present it that all the old knowledge will come out to meet the new, that all the brain paths that have already been made will be utilized, and that the new path will lead out from paths which are well known and well traveled. INTRODUCE WITH AS FEW NEW VARIABLES AS POSSIBLE.--The greatest speed in learning a new method will be attained by introducing it with as few new variables as possible. For example,--learning to dictate to a dictaphone. The writer found it very difficult, at first, to dictate into the dictaphone,-- the whirling of the cylinder distracted the eye, the buzzing of the motor distracted the ear, the rubber tube leading to the mouth-piece was constantly reminding the touch that something new was being attempted. At the suggestion of one well versed in Scientific Management, the mouth-piece of the dictaphone was propped on the desk telephone on a level with the mouth-piece of the latter. The writer then found that as soon as one became interested in the dictating and one's attention was concentrated on the thought, one was able absolutely to forget the new variable, because it is one which is kept constant, and to dictate fluently. The emphasis laid on the likeness in thus dictating to the old accustomed act of talking through the telephone, seemed to put all other differences into the background, and to allow of forming the new and desired habit very quickly. SUMMARY EFFECT OF ANALYSIS AND SYNTHESIS ON THE WORK.--As the outcome of Analysis and Synthesis is Standardization, so the effect of them upon work is standard work. Quantity of output can be predicted, quality of output is assured. EFFECT ON THE WORKER.--The effect of Analysis and Synthesis upon the worker is to make him feel that the methods which he is using are right, and that, because of this, his work must be of value. The more the worker is induced to coöperate in the determining and the combination of elements, the more will he share with the investigators the satisfaction in getting permanent results. The outcome of this coöperation will, again, result in more perfect future results, and so on, progressively.