W. Edwards deming and frederick winslow taylor: A comparison of two leaders who shaped the world's view of management

Abstract

This paper compares the personal backgrounds and management philosophies of Frederick Winslow Taylor and W. Edwards Deming. Among the commonalities existing between the two leaders are their use of science and measurement, belief in expert knowledge, the importance of training, top management commitment, concern with customer and society, competition with contemporary figures, and American military and international applications of their theories. Among their major differences are their views on quantity versus quality, performance improvement, participation, motivation, the individual versus the group, unions, and use of disciple. Differences are discussed in terms of their relative places in the history of management thought.