Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1129IR // #c1129Synthesis

"It is necessary in almost all cases, therefore, to take definite steps to insure against any falling off in quality before moving in any way towards an increase in quantity."

— In our words · Source: The Principles of Scientific Management (Frederick Winslow Taylor)

[Use when]

You're about to start paying or ranking people on volume.

[Why it matters]

At the bicycle ball plant, over-inspection came first: trusted inspectors re-checked anonymous lots from the day before. Only after that did output pay begin.

Filed under situations:When you’re building the thing, not just planning it

More from The Principles of Scientific Management

#c1113"The greater part of the systematic soldiering, however, is done by the men with the deliberate object of keeping their employers ignorant…Your team's estimates never get shorter no matter how familiar the work becomes. #c1114"…after a workman has had the price per piece of the work he is doing lowered two or three times as a result of his having worked harder…You are tempted to raise a quota because someone beat it. #c1115"…since they were paid by the hour, the faster they went the less money they got, and finally telling him that if he went too fast the…You are setting up pay for work where you can't easily see the pace.

Same situation, different book

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