Frederick Taylor Legacy: Why it-is Still Problematic Today

Examines how Frederick Taylor’s management ideas still shape workplaces today, highlighting their impact on motivation, job design, and the challenges posed by AI.

Published on 19 May 2025

Written by Martin Hinshelwood

1 minute read

https://nkdagility.com/resources/a8GPqn01alD

Frederick Taylor’s legacy is still alive—and it’s not a flattering one.

He told the world that most people couldn’t think for themselves, so we had to break work into tiny, repeatable pieces. That’s why we have titles that mean nothing, bonuses that bribe instead of inspire, and departments that hoard knowledge instead of sharing it.

This wasn’t about helping people grow. It was about making them easier to replace.

Now that AI and automation are exposing just how much of our work is built on cognitive repetition, we have a choice.

Keep pretending this system works.

Or rebuild it around mastery, autonomy, and outcomes.

Most organisations haven’t made the shift. They’re still paying bonuses and calling it motivation. Still promoting titles and calling it progress.

AI isn’t just automating tasks. It’s holding up a mirror.

What does it say about your organisation?

Also published on: LinkedIn

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