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Reduce The Number of Motions in A Task

Frank and Lillian Gilbreth believed there was one best way to complete any task efficiently. They advocated identifying unnecessary motions in work processes and standardizing tasks. The Gilbreths studied motions and timed tasks down to 1/2000th of a second to determine the most efficient work methods. Their goal was to increase profitability and worker satisfaction by eliminating waste and improving efficiency through scientific management principles.

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57 views1 page

Reduce The Number of Motions in A Task

Frank and Lillian Gilbreth believed there was one best way to complete any task efficiently. They advocated identifying unnecessary motions in work processes and standardizing tasks. The Gilbreths studied motions and timed tasks down to 1/2000th of a second to determine the most efficient work methods. Their goal was to increase profitability and worker satisfaction by eliminating waste and improving efficiency through scientific management principles.

Uploaded by

anishjohna
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Frank and Lillian Gilbreth valued efficiency by identifying and replicating one best

way to complete a task.

Husband and wife Frank and Lillian Gilbreth believed in regulation and consistency
in the workplace. Rather than encouraging a company of many working parts, they
valued efficiency above all else. The couple believed that there is one best way to
get any job done, and the specific process should, when identified, be replicated
through the manufacturing process, eliminating individual steps and producing the
most efficient results.

Frank stated, "The greatest misunderstandings occur as to the aims of scientific


management. Its fundamental aim is the elimination of waste, the attainment of
worthwhile desired results with the least necessary amount of time and effort."

The couple placed high value on efficiency when managing an organization. Their
management theory outlined three main points:

1. Reduce the number of motions in a task.


Frank and Lillian coined the term "therbligs," or elemental motions required for tasks
in the workplace. They used these 18 units to analyze how tasks were completed –
searching for an object with eyes or hands, grasping an object with hands,
assembling and disassembling two parts, etc. From there, they'd figure out which
motions were necessary, then eliminate any unnecessary motions to increase
efficiency.

2. Focus on the incremental study of motions and time.


As engineers, Frank and Lillian closely studied motion and time to calculate the most
efficient way to complete a given task. Taking the scientific approach, they measured
time and motion to 1/2000 of a second to understand what works best. Their insight
was unlike that of most other theorists, as they channeled physical science rather
than psychology.  

3. Increase efficiency to increase profit and worker


satisfaction.
Your main goal as a leader should be increasing efficiency in each individual
employee, and in the organization as a whole. Not only will this method save time, it
will also afford you a higher profit and happier workers.

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