Efficiency of women workers (summary)

Efficiency of women workers

Gilbreth, L. M. (1929). Efficiency of Women Workers. Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 143, 61–64. 

The basics of efficiency means a work load that has been done, in the shortest time possible, with the greatest amount of satisfaction and the least amount of effort. The most study progress that has been done is testing efficiency while differences are small. Thus, efficiency of women workers is tested in a generalized manner.

Job analysis in relation to efficiency

The first step is to perform a sufficient analysis of the working position. This stands for finding the extent of the job, the type of person best suited for the position, and how, when and where it can be performed.

This technique allows to find other jobs similar to the one the worker is tested upon, and also to adapt the system for shifts and possible transfers or promotions for the employee, even in different fields.

The work analysis includes the physical, mental and emotional pre-requisites to perform the job at hand. The test personally analyzes the worker, and allows a definitive view of which qualities the worker possesses in comparison to what the job requires. This could increase the workers' chance to be accepted.

In the study of satisfaction, while the job is being done, will allow the worker to evaluate what he receives from the job and to know what he may look from other similar jobs. Sex differences have not been found, but are visible, and the lack of satisfaction usually comes from lack of opportunity to enjoy the job.

The worker is susceptible to boredom or apathy if he/she is given a job that does not suit him/her. An efficient management will require the worker to perform training for the job, but the training will be fashioned in such a way that the work will be satisfactory.

In many studies done across the industry, it was found that the sex of the worker or the place of the job are not factors to determine the lack of efficiency, unless there is lack of opportunity.

Job analysis and equality of opportunity for women

The job analysis opens paths for women to work in many fields, and showing their potential and ability, while being satisfied performing it.

The woman worker is not different from the man in regards to the technique used to operate the job. But women do differ in physicality, mentally and emotionally; yet there is insufficient proof for this claim.

Unlimited opportunities should be granted to all, regardless of sex, though individual achievements should be monitored and carefully analyzed to test whether the person is apt for the job, while observing satisfaction.

Some requirements for efficiency in women workers

Several requirements need to be met before a woman can find herself efficient in the work she does.

First, it is the philosophy that the work that she does must be loved by her, in order to find herself fulfilled, and fully expressed and immersed in the job.

Another requirement, is for the person, both woman and man must be aware of their economical contribution to the market.

Personal efficiency and the integration of activities

Evaluation on all aspects of life must be accepted on the person, whether man or woman, or whether if it is at home at work or at leisure time, every job must be given what it deserves and what it can absorb. A woman or man that place all their energy on one element such as their career, may damage other aspects of their lives.

Women must recognize their capabilities and limitations and be proud of them. Their differences from men may also be interpreted as liabilities or assets. The efficient woman worker is one that recognizes and adapts herself to situations, evolves herself beyond difficulties and uses her leisure to enrich her work and enjoys the satisfaction from these results.