This
paper explains that, prior to scientific
management, workers' skills determined the efficiency of the
task and the quality of the products manufactured, but Taylorism changed this by breaking down the task and process into small discrete "events" and determining the best manner to complete the task. This helped to introduce the
concept of standard operating procedures. The author points out the
work of Mayo, Maslow, and McGregor introduced the need to comprehend and recognize the role that the worker played in the success of the
organization. The paper relates that Douglas McGregor also put forth the concept that people's management behavior is dependent upon their view of human beings and work, as postulated in pessimistic Theory X and idealistic Theory Y.