BMJ Publishing Group
Discussion On The Physical And Mental Effects Of Monotony In Modern Industry
Author(s): A. Hudson Davies
Reviewed work(s):
Source: The British Medical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3427 (Sep. 11, 1926), pp. 472-479
Published by: BMJ Publishing Group
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25325686 .
Accessed: 17/01/2013 05:34
Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at .
http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp
.
JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of
content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms
of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected].
.
Digitization of the British Medical Journal and its forerunners (1840-1996) was completed by the U.S. National
Library of Medicine (NLM) in partnership with The Wellcome Trust and the Joint Information Systems
Committee (JISC) in the UK. This content is also freely available on PubMed Central.
BMJ Publishing Group is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to The British
Medical Journal.
http://www.jstor.org
This content downloaded on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:34:52 AM
All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
472
Sept.
ii,
SECTION
19261
OF MEDICAL
a darker
area
at one point
the size of a pin's
about
?howing
a clear fluid and the dark spot proved
contain
to be
head.
They
the invaginated
scolex
of
the
form of Taenia
intermediate
single
*o/?_<?7l."
On January
6th the eyes were
examined
and
the
following
"
:
are
made
The
reactions
and
all movements
report
pupil
normal.
The
left optic disc
(d)
at the edges,
is woolly
the blood
more
vessels
than
engorged
a disc's diameter
usual.
About
in a
from
the
side
temporal
horizontal
direction
there
is a
small area of retinal depigmenta
a
tion
of choroiditis
(p),
patch
bands with
shallow
(c), fibrous
detachment
of the retina
opaque
to a large
downwards
leading
the
subretmal
cyst over which
are stretched.
vessels
The
cyst
shows a clear and well
defined
is bluish
in the outer por
edge,
area
while
the
central
is
tion,
in which
three
hazy and opaque
or four dots can be seen.
The
extends
into
the vitreous
Diagram of left fundus. D=Optic
cyst
disc.
P=Retinal depigmentation.
to
5
D.
The
up
appearance
pre
c=Choroiditis
and fibrous bands.
is one of chorio-retinitis
sented
M=
cellulosae.
Cyst=Cysticercus
a subretinal
with
to
due
cyst
Macula.
the presence
of a cysticercus."
As
there
is
no
of
evidence
the
a
patient
harbouring
no
and
ever
of his
now,
history
having
as host
to such,
it is presumed
that
he must
have
or ova.
extraneous
as the digestion
And
ingested
segments
and
of such
is
^dissemination
usually
accompanied
by con
stitutional
it is further
that
the
disturbance,
presumed
of
attacks
abdominal
and
were
fever
pain,
vomiting,
resultant
to such
soon
to be
followed
dissemination,
by
In substantiation
muscles.
of this
is
painful
presumption
the
no nodules
fact
that
made
their
to
appearance
prior
this
in October.
illness
to the time
of invaliding
from
Up
the
service
he has received
treatment
salts
and
by calcium
and
later
intravenous
potassium
iodide,
of
by
injections
novarsenobillon.
I am greatly
indebted
to Major
for the
Hood,
R.A.M.C.,
to
reports,
for
pathological
Captain
Bell,
R.A.M.C.,
the cysts,
and to Captain
for the
removing
Kumar,
I.M.S.,
examination
ophthalmic
Taenia
acted
solium
?r?irslj ffitbital
JUs0r?at?m
PROCEEDINGS OF SECTIONS AT THE ANNUAL
MEETING,
NOTTINGHAM,
1926.
SECTION OF MEDICAL SOCIOLOGY.
C.
J.
Bond,
PRESIDENT'S
The
C.M.G.,
F.R.C.S.,
OPENING
President.
REMARKS.
said he regarded
President
it as a great
to
privilege
over
the
Section
of Medical
preside
for
two
Sociology
reasons
: first,
because
the
of
subject
M
discussion?namely,
The
effect
of fatigue
and
in
was
monotony
industry/'
a factor
of increasing
in
the
health
and welfare
importance
of the
industrial
and
because
it was
population;
secondly,
desirable
to enlist
the
of the medical
interest
very
pro
fession
medical
officers
of health
and
(including
general
in the
iecent
advances
made
in this
practitioners)
field
of industrial
and
physiology
psychology.
This
Section
an
excellent
for
provided
opportunity
bring
the notice
of their
medical
as well
ing before
colleagues,
as
the
the
work
public
was
which
generally,
important
on
carried
in
industrial
life
the
being
Industrial
by
Research
the National
Institute
Fatigue
of
In
Board,
dustrial
and
societies
and
welfare
Psychology,
by other
workers
interested
in industrial
hygiene.
A sound
of
industrial
and
system
psychology
physiology
must
on two*
be built
that
normal
principles:
first,
every
human
should
strive
to
obtain
some
sense
of satis
being
faction
from
and
work
energy
expended
done;
failing
such
effort
became
reduced
in volume
requirement,
or
was
diverted
into
other
channels.
The
actual
of
doing
itself must
a fuller
the work
sense
of satisfaction.
provide
SOCIOLOGY.
If
industrial
toil
more
stimulating,
then
the
growing
hours
would
be
on
be
conferred
_luS?HSSZ?
were
to mind
and
body,
exhausting
more
interesting,
health-giving,
demand
shorter
for higher
and
wages
less
would
insistent
and
benefit
greater
the worker.
? discussion
Consequently,
of the
in industrial
factors
to promote
tended
life which
or to diminish
sense
the attainment
of this
of satisfaction
must
be of great
these
the
factors
importance.
Among
of monotony
a very
and
had
questions
important
fatigue
was
industrial
The
second
the
that
aspect.
principle
was
an
one.
It was
problem
essentially
evolutionary
a problem
of adaptation
environ
to the
industrial
largely
If the worker
ment.
or had not
was
not fitted
by nature,
been
fitted
then
for his particular
by training,
occupation,
he had not
to his
become
industrial
environment.
adapted
This
selec
of vocational
up the
opened
important
problem
tion
and vocational
in industry.
In fact,
it was
guidance
not
too much
to say that
the
of the work
to the
fitting
was
one
to his work
worker
and
the worker
of funda
mental
and growing
to the future
of
not
importance,
only
in our own
to the
but
future
of industry
industry
country,
in the world.
less
more
DISCUSSION ON
THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFECTS ?F
IN MODERN
MONOTONY
INDUSTRY.
OPENING PAPER
BY
A.
National
HUDSON
Institute
of
DAVIES,
Industrial
B.A.,
Psychology.
of a problem
are
two aspects
that
fatigue
and health
of hundreds
of thousands
happiness
so easy,
as mere
in our civilization.
It is not
on a notice
would
of meeting
to mark
separation
imply,
and
I think
off two
defined
of inquiry,
it is
fields
clearly
we
shall
to say that
in talking
about
find
safe
monotony
some of the questions
with
ourselves
dealing
simultaneously
come
which
will
for
discussion
this
afternoon.
For
up
we
can
or less
the more
in our minds
separate
although
and
when
crude
of
monotony,
conceptions
fatigue
yet,
in industry,
situations
it is
and with
with
facts,
dealing
to define
to
the
due
often
impossible
clearly
responsibility
the
remedies
two
and
either
of these
factors,
frequently
we propose
to the relief
of both.
for one are directed
which
we are to some extent
In work on these
subjects
handicapped
to the factory.
In
the
from
laboratory
long bridge
by the
at first
lack
sciences
data
other
which
sharpness
respond
but
in dealing
of the
treatments
to the refined
laboratory,
so many
of the essential
factors
human
with
vary,
beings
are sought
of work,
in the midst
that
in
conclusions
when
we
are
to Repart
to the extent
forced
by which
proportion
the possibilities
controlled
of
from
measurement,
objective
a clear
dwindle
away.
opinion
forming
on fatigue
of work
and on monotony
is
The
overlapping
us to treat
leads
that
all evidence
fact
by the
explained
a special
case
as in some ways
of
To
monotony
fatigue.
we are justified
in treating
a limitecl
extent
fatigue
objec
can
conditions
results
suitable
It has
which
under
tively.
work
of any
kind
When
is"
be expressed
quantitatively.
for
of weariness,
of disinclination
further
done
feelings
rest
a
for
and
of desire
become
after
prominent
work,
causes
work
diminished
for
Muscular
time.
capacity
a decreasing
rate
of output
the ,
further
(when
activity,
an accumu
is past),
of fatigue
effect
first
stimulating
slight
in the tissues,
and finally
lation
of waste
increas
products
nervous
can
These
effects
inco-ordination.
often
be
ing
terms
of quantity.
into
translated
Plrysiological
changes
are not so obvious
but the general
after mental
effects
work,
are comparable
on rates
of work
and on accuracy
of output
with
those
muscular
following
activity.
immediate
elusive.
is more
It has no
Monotony
physios
at
results
from
those
of
present
logical
distinguishable
as a special
kind
look on monotony
if we
fatigue?indeed,
to be expected.
of fatigue
is not universal
this
is not
It
in its incidence
set of conditions,
and
it is
under
any given
In all
not
relieved
particular
remedy.
necessarily
by any
Monotony
and
the
affects
of workers
This content downloaded on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:34:52 AM
All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
SEPT. Il,
1926]
EFFECTS
OF MONOTONY
of monotony
discussion
it is important
to remember
that
we
are
so long
with
and
that
factors,
dealing
subjective
as the
we
over
control
which
can
establish
them
is liable
to the
individual
differences,
complications?environment,
and momentary
attitudes?which
all human
affect
beings,
our
are effective
sense.
deductions
in a general
only
With
this
it is possible
limitation
to make
broad
dis
since
to most
of us fatigue
and monotony
in
do
tinctions,
or less clear
fact
more
connote
sets of ideas.
It seems
a rather
to illustrate
possible
by
example
homely
in which
the way
or
its synonym
boredom?is
monotony,
from
a
At
the
end
of
boat
separated
fatigue.
university
race
the
crews
two
in a condition
finish
of fatigue
which
a
would
or an
industrial
horrify
inspector
factory
psycho
recover
as
but
the
logist.
pass
They
post
rapidly,
they
the
limits
of exhaustion
have
been
reached.
very
nearly
race
the
seven
have
hundred
During
they
performed
of a movement
that
have
made
repetitions
they
probably
of times
thousands
no one would
Yet
before.
that
imagine
men
these
have
been
conscious
of the monotony
of their
labour.
have
a determination
to preserve
had
to
They
drive
themselves
threshold
of complete
exhaus
up to the
have
to remain
aware
had
of many
tion;
they
keenly
as alteration
such
in the
or of
of
rate
factors,
striking
the development
of roll in the boat,
no training
to which
can make
reaction
are
automatic.
tired
but
out,
They
not been bored.
they have
sam? men
These
in practice
for the race,
have
however,
from
the monotony
suffered
of training.
Besides
certainly
are periods
there
staleness
in training
where
physiological
are accompanied
of practice
bore
long
spells
by intolerable
even
to
use,
dom,
when,
owing
long
any
hardly
fatigue
the exercise,
and
the men
land quite
in
fresh
accompanies
sense.
the physical
IN MODERN
INDUSTRY.
?mb^^ESa?
473
of work,
is still
and the neuro-muscular
efficient,
apparatus
can
for if the
contractions
load is lightened
effective
again
more
be obtained
is therefore
The
voluntarily.
blocking
in
and the appearance
central
of fatigue
is directed
origin,
to one special
set of conditions.
Alter
the conditions,
only
is a safe
and
the
The
inhibition
disappears.
blocking
far in advance
of capacity
of the real
limits
acting
guard,
for
work.
an
at all events
which
is justified
by intro
By
analogy,
we may
see in this dislike
of uniformity
evidence,
spective
a
similar
There
is competition
continually
protection.
and
on
for our
mental
processes
begin
attention;
going
us
of
all
develop
though
cease?mostly
involuntarily,
our
one
is occupying
of selection.
While
process
powers
how
The
to be
inhibited.
others
tend
attention
balance,
one
or
sooner
later
is always
and
ever,
process
shifting,
is
work
monotonous
to another.
mental
When
way
gives
is most
the
other
of
done
processes
competition
being
a time when
comes
into
severe.
break
There
through
they
own
to inhibit
rival
and,
consciousness,
tendency
by their
of the
im
make
the
continuance
first
process
processes,
reason
to keep
these
for any
If
it is necessary
possible.
arise.
out of the mind,
of monotony
distractions
feelings
a little
more
now
behaviour
examine
the
If we
closely
crew
be
it will
under
circumstances
different
of our boat
under
their
conditions
that
boredom
obvious
Tdid
training
or on
on uniformity
of work
either
not depend
ultimately
between
difference
The
real
continuous
its
repetition.
was
one of interest.
Under
the hectic
and racing
practice
and
has an aim,
the crew
stimulus
of the race
everything
of reaching
the post
to the object
subordinated
is willingly
on
an'exhausted
of driving
the
first.
anguish
Fatigue,
this
matter
however,
During
training,
nothing.
body,
an
illusion
creates
routine
is remote.
The
daily
object
for prepara
is too far ahead
the race day
over
of permanence;
have
We
variations
this whole
in industry.
range
is a sameness
There
to be stimulated
are
tion
There
as well
as
by its prospect.
exhausting
jobs?physically
mentally
the
of the
advice
about
are
the
?which
not
about
to have
found
that
colour
of
long
paddles,
practice
peculiar
There
crew
finds
the
are
which
while
so
! coach,
there
others
that
in the
depressing.
infinitely
monotony,
light
will
restore
but a complete
are times
when
can be no
worked
there
hours
holiday
nothing
effect,
generally
fatiguing
without
of work,
and
are
their
and
the workers
affected
continuity
Uniformity
poise.
yet
;
keenly
by monotony
have
of
close
incentive
the
if they
in
the
time
of
competition,
temporarily
persQvere,
they
develop
symptoms
more
is found
and more
and
the work
mental
interest,
destroyed
ordinary
fatigue.
monotonous.
the theoretical
From
of view
the problem
of mono
point
are
in
in the
obvious
these
features
Now
was
first
studied
in America.
He
increasingly
tony
"by Munsterberg
will
be no going
back
from
for
there
as a
dustrial
defined
dislike
of uniformity,"
situation,
monotony
subjective
has
which
and
of invention
and he put
forward
evidence
in repetition
that
the
work
organization
| the development
on the
revolutionized
last century
in the
to defend
tended
workers
themselves
this
large
production
against
feeling
of the work,
the operations
scale.
attention
to minute
differences
between
each
by special
dividing
By
by paying
becomes
the
of
the
functions
the
of
worker,
various
production
izing
repetition
working
cycle.
By
laboratory
in the
At
more
in
and goods
in which
successive
series
of similar
every
and
point
different
cheaper.
rapid
tests,
are
to be per
small
dustrial
were
to many
off,
stimuli
he claimed
to have
split
process
jobs
being
applied
subjects,
or by a hand
a new machine,
because
formed
between
in whom
which,
each
in
by
people
distinguished
experience
a skill
of two,
instead
does one
it now
a reaction
a uniform
series
facilitates
to the
develops
operation
succeeding
not
work
would
In the
shoe
in
which
in whom
those
and
the uniformity
of the
permit.
successive
changing
ones,
work
done
is
shoemaker
the original
an
! dustry
on the
has
effect
by the village
The
response.
experiences
inhibitory
scores
of operatives,
now
between
divided
with
less
effort
to
former
each
the
using
special
respond
stimulus,
on one
of years
of an
fraction
the. skill
and
an
as the series
with
effort
latter
He
knowledge
increasing
proceeds.
is split
into
The
a
up
into
working
found
cycle
the
original
behaviour
operation.
evidence,
by
general
inquiry
a minimum
with
of
work
small
monotonous
towards
repeated
that
of all his subjects
in
cycles,
those
many
work,
of
times
in the
variation
thousands,
this
hundreds,
effect was most
were
whom
marked
perhaps
the ones
inhibitory
is demanded
of the manu
trades
In some
disliked
of work.
who most
variety
day.
uniformity
are made
to standardize
further
efforts
in others
was
this
facturer,
work
tentative,
Although
theory
subsequent
because
the manufacturer
and
both
it to have
shown
elements
of truth,
and
has
product,
the
operation
probably
causes
waste
in either
of skill
and
variation
that
believes
the
of
mechanism
best working
behind
conception
feelings
to division,
With
this
loss of productive
we owe
is the one which
tendency
power.
to Professor
of monotony
Myers,
the
of
interest
and
to
and
as
on monotony
a danger
possibilities
looks
of
who
central
specialization
signal
decline.
in work
In
nervous
exhaustion.
the
of the
structure
there
expression
body
a new
not
Even
the
are
is, of course,
problem.
material
limits?reserves
certain
of fuel,
balances
of
Repetition
one
another
after
boot
work
made
; domestic
bootmaker
resistance
of
and
and
acid
base,
synapse
end-plate?
in hoeing
a
and
a rather
routine,
is often
a term
to activity.
are
set
These
uninspiring
limits
which
always
move
a
of very
similar
number
field
nervous
or
which
large
twenty-acre
inhibition,
by earlier
guarded
training,
the
extension
of a
are made.
ments
But,
logical
can push
of some overwhelming
nearer
through
the stress
necessity,
to provide
as soon as men
all things
ceased
that began
of physiological
to the point
exhaustion.
process
are
more
with
a muscle
for themselves,
is contracted
many
busy
nowadays
people
When
are
voluntarily,
impulses
of the working
and
the
average
fibres
to the nerve
length
work,
sent up afferent
wrhich
to
tend
centres,
repetition
shorter.
Two
hundred
becomes
years
to
further
block
contraction.
is
in
This
the
progressively
impulses
cycle
was
faced
with
who
the
was
there
of a protective
in the typical
and
living
nature
nobody
device,
ago
ergograph
a
all
two-second
of
seen
the
effect
operation
day
of
these
is
in
the
performing
necessity
tracing
growing
impulses
are many
in that
on end.
There
for years
position,
smaller
which
to
dwindle
long
contractions,
successively
finally
we have
a new
extent
situation.
to that
and
The
muscle
is not
less capable
itself
to-day,
riothing.
essentially
This content downloaded on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:34:52 AM
All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
474
Sept.
M
SECTTON OF MEDICAL
1926]
that
had
been
Problems
difficulties
faced,
particular
making.
which
with
remained
associated
the
overcome,
product.
was
the
There
relation
of an almost
personal
possibility
to the
deals
Because
the modern
worker
product.
only
one process,
with
is limited;
of difficulty
the range
in a
are no surprises,
short
time
and his own contribution
there
to a piece
of work
at a later
is overlaid
stage
by the labours
of other
is left
hands.
that
is the necessity
All
of passing
a standard
of
and
derived
achieving
output.
Although
with
work
do arise
in connexion
is no longer
interests
there
was
once
which
the
individual
and
response
personal
a price
is becoming
is paid
that
Work
for leisure.
possible.
With
of material
there
is a
increasing
uniformity
towards
of work.
pressure
steady
increasing
continuity
The
with
which
those
industrial
pictures
unacquainted
life draw
to allow
of repetitive
fail
for
processes
usually
that
continuous.
fact
work
is rarely
Dr.
Vernon
the
Research
of
Industrial
made
the
Board
Fatigue
an
into
the
conditions
of
inquiry
fifty
apparently
over
continuous
and
boot
shoe
spread
jobs
making,
tin
and
canister
work,
opera
making,
laundry
packing
one
from
under
second
tions.
The
varied
cycle
working
an
as two minutes,
to as much
with
up
average
length
time
of under
of the work
four seconds.
studies
By making
the
number
various
and
of
duration
of
the
operatives,
was
examined
breaks
Dr. Vernon
those
analysed.
only
jobs
occurred
for many
seemed
which
regular.
Stops
noticeably
or
reasons.
to
had
be
carried
Work
away
fetched;
or
for cleaning
to be stopped
machines
had
adjustment;
new
were
were
not
there
waits
when
supplies
forthcoming.
In the most
continuous
work?handkerchief-folding?there
an average
was
in the hour,
of three
breaks
four
totalling
were
In other
of as
breaks
and a half minutes.
jobs there
as eleven
in the
much
minutes
hour.
Over
the whole
sat at work
workers
four
who
breaks
group
got
habitually
or sitting,
in the
which
while
hour,
spent
they
walking
a
There
workers
five
breaks.
is, however,
got
standing
for these
to be
stoppages
eliminated,
tendency
although
of posture*
for walk
for change
by affording
opportunities
a welcome
for conversation,
offer
relief
from
ing, and
they
of
the
the
work.
Such
unpro
inevitability
rhythmical
one point
is from
of view
time
if a skilled
ductive
waste,
is performing
small
agent
services,
transport
producing
to weigh
be well
machine-like
but
it would
against
efficiency
cost of increasing
the
of work
an?I
the human
continuity
of
its monotony
in these
the
cir
oppressiveness
likely
on
not
does
cumstances.
pro
Output
depend
entirely
time.
on very uniform
continuous
and very
Although
repetitive
a higher
of workers
will
suffer
from mono
work
proportion
on more
are
varied
and
than
there
work,
interrupted
tony
are not
bored
of this
who
and
still people
kind,
by work
even
on
a
the most
varied
maintain
who,
work,
people
to
attitude
and
life,
complain
depressed
bitterly
steadily
to generalize
is safe
and
It
that
the
of monotony.
say
or material
of work
conditions
do not
actual
temporal
is a
not
to
it monotonous.
make
reaction,
Monotony
to
features
of work,
but
the
selected
whole
particular
Its
is con
its performance.
of
circumstances
appearance
ductive
not
industrial
but
environment,
ditioned,
only
by the
by
and by the circumstances
of all kinds
relations
of
personal
"
worker
who
feels
fed ! up."
for the
life in general
as a warning
of monotony
of central
The theory
symptom
on the effort
to maintain
nervous
exhaustion,
consequent
in
the
face
of
some
mental
strong
process
competing
into close
of being
is capable
connexion
interests,
brought
with
the operativo
in a factory.
SOCIOLOGY,
:???-?-
the possibility
of
only
repetition
destroys
to be repeated
has
Interest,
any
experience
only
though
to become
often
for
further
irksome.
repetition
enough
are possibilities
of new
while
there
discriminations,
Only
to attend
is it possible
of new
in ourselves,
with
reactions
once our
favourite
to the repetition.
When
poem
pleasure
in the
without
to be quoted
Is sufficiently
familiar
shock
of
its attraction
has
leader
newspaper
something
morning
for us.
gone
to
But
of modern
deal
with
the
industry
tendency
removes
as so many
the
material
identical
also
samples
elements
of
the
interest
work.
When
bootmaker
from
was
in the
his
and
finished
there
boot
character
history
It
is not
ii,
All
industrial work
in
*t_fc_SS__wS55?
_^
'-'
volves
the maintenance
of certain
of mind?ta
attitudes
or to the people
the work
The
in the work.
itself,
engaged
a dial machine,
or counting
worker
is able
screws,
feeding
a minimum
to perform
with
of attention
these, operations
a time.
after
It
is not
to concentrate
generally
possible
on
to the work,
detriment
without
else, however,
anything
or
even
are
sometimes
there
and
danger,
consequently
on freedom
necessities
of movement,
restrictions
voluntary
as
of behaviour,
and
inhibitions
of normal
(such
impulses
to be preserved.
which
have
up at a sudden
looking
noise),
If there
is a perpetual
in check.
There
of oneself
holding
are
no
the
to
incentives
strengthen
enough
powerful
or
sooner
in these
later
the
workers
then
special
efforts,
set in.
will
kind
of fatigue
which
lies behind
monotony
extent
to what
is often
It
difficult
to decide
extremely
of wort
the monotony
is oppressive.
always
Suggestion
on
similar
of workers
among
groups
engaged
operates
new-comer
of
the
will
eyes
open
processes?a
suddenly
a group
or conditions
to defects
not
affected
had
which
A worker
them
affected
before.
by the dullness
genuinely
the attitude
of a job sometimes
by her complaints
destroys
to
achieve.
others
have
which
of
managed
acceptance
was
the
involved
the work
where
in a factory
Recently,,
of a
them
and the
from
of certain
forms,
sorting
counting
was a periodic
and where
there
very few defective
specimens,
was
there
to branch,
branch
of the workers
from
shifting
for lurid
a strong
new-comers
to
the
work,
among
antipathy
in the
office were
conditions
circu
stories
of the
counting
were
The new-comers
offices
of the firm.
in the other
lated
.
had not
for the compensations
surprised,
pleasantly
usually
as the drawbacks.
But
the same publicity
achieved
among
a good
deal
of the
of complaint
there was
the old hands
*
of
hours
of work
in spite
short
of the work,
*
monotony
to decide
difficult
whether
It was
and
very
pay.
high
arose
because
to complain
of monotony
this
long
tendency
of boredom,;
all to a state
at the work
reduced
continuance
reason
some
as there
to believe,
or whether,
seemed
sug
intolerable
the work
from
found
the few who
really
gestion
are
some
there
?and
however
the
conditions
always
good
|
a general
reaction
hate
such work?produced
against
Iwho
not unduly
was
a fixed
of output,
There
quota
| the work.
so
in the wTork,
for breaks
and many
| high,
opportunities
are
were
There
not oppressive.
that
the
conditions
likely
of
cases
the
where
in industry
! to be many
oppressiveness
has
when
be
felt
will
monotonous
work
suggestion
only
! undermined
The mental
resistance.
from person
work
of monotonous
effects
vary
mono
in which
all
In nearly
jobs
repetition
person.
are afforded
for reverie.
Prob
felt
is
opportunities
I tony
of a systematic
for thinking
is no opportunity
there
ably
must
still be paid
which
attention
to the slight
owing
?kind,
loose
to the work
or continuously
; but a vague,
periodically
of conscious
the field
floats
series
of associations
through
which
in work
is an attraction
ness.
To some workers
there
an
into
fall
Others
concentration.
close
not
does
require
The
<and
of
attitude
by,
day
slips
acceptance.
passive
of
while
experience
pieces
up,
fragmentary
piles
output
and allowed
over
for a few moments,
are caught
up, turned
it had
are workers
to whom
There
to drift
away
again.
was
If
dull work
that
never
occurred
boring.
objectively
mental
aimless
towards
of criticism
are no standards
there
is contented.
the worker
of this kind
activity
and
But
increasing
especially
intelligence,
increasing
on
the
the
effects.
their
have
girls
Among
education,
the
limited
were
to whom
there
many
process
counting
"
fool
could
to its burden.
added
of the work
Any
scope
work
found
in their
also
and
do this,"
said,
they
they
were
not
alto
dreams
But
their
of reverie.
opportunities
were
tendencies
at bottom
Because
failing
happy.
gether
a means
of
became
reverie
in the work,
to find expression
as the worker
is
so long
is never
which
adequate
escape,
and
between
the
of
reality.
fancy
conscious
discrepancy
were
not
full powers
their
that
realized
being
These
girls
that
said
of them
of reaction
though
used.
many
By way
to do so now.
ceased
had
read books
once
They
they
they
the
be so, and projected
should
this
that
resentful
! seemed
one
as
them
of
on to the work.
felt,
! responsibility
They
"
were
that
as if they were
they
turnips,"
becoming
said,
to be.
as they used
not so intelligent
in sq
no means
except
unpleasant,
by
?Reverie
appeared
j
I to
This content downloaded on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:34:52 AM
All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
.
Sept.
i i, 1926]
EFFECTS
OF MONOTONY
IN MODERN
INDUSTRY.
-_?.-
far as purposeless
felt
seemed
The girls
undesirable.
fantasy
an inertia,
which
to be due, not so much
to uniformity
seemed
as to the
of work,
of reshaping
the world,
which
possibility
can
be
in fantasy.
realized
When
the mind
habitually
turns
from
externals
the workers
find
relief
in the
away
of
on
ideas which
with
work.
easy
play
goes
concurrently
It is not
if years
in this way
spent
surprising
slowly
destroy
the workers
the wish
to effect
in themselves
among
changes
or in their
environment.
There
is an easier
to a kind
path
of half
to a more
release
which
efforts
prevents
positive
satisfaction.
these
who
had
all
had
counters,
Among
were
some
there
who
this
realized
education,
secondary
vaguely,
combination.
But
there
and
added
a
slight
feeling
of guilt
to the
are more*
sinister
effects
of excessive
reverie.
is relieved
it may
be pushed,
in limiting
.Unless monotony
to a point
where
is a failure
there
of
cases,
inhibition,
which
allows
the release
of repressed
memories
unpleasant
from
the
unconscious.
This
is
liable
to happen
when
central
is weakened
control
and
the
by fatigue,
peculiar
of unlimited
circumstances
time
for reverie
and
for un
which
monotonous
work
association,
systematized
provides,
set
the
for
the
of
neurosis.
Even
stage
development
on monotonous
normal
are
work
there
among
people
signs
of maladjustment.
are
fears
of
Unreasoning
displayed
safe
of machinery,
used
thousands
of times
quite
pieces
are more
anxieties
than
^without
obvious
accident;
usually
about
about
the opinions
of fellow
about
output,
workers,
health
to a feeling
admit
or
of being
; others
trapped,
u
as if the day were
some
them
while
behind";
leaving
on the
were
had a feeling
that
process
girls
counting
they
was
not
which
even
watched,
being
facts,
justified
by
some
was
of their
work
checked.
The
of
though
feelings
"
"
also are
in this class.
guilt
All of these
tendencies
be the beginnings
of psycho
may
lesions.
occur
do not
in all people
are
; they
pathic
They
as
forward
rather
put
always
apologetically
something
and not worth
who
stupid
mentioning
by those
experience
even
a
them.
In most
after
at the work,
cases,
long time
the
of
interests
a
outside
the
work
and
acquirement
attitude
to life offsets
their
generally
healthy
beginnings.
cases
in a few
But
the
to the
symptoms
develop
point
where
treatment
becomes
psycho-therapeutic
necessary.
when
Even
of genuine
the
break
stage
psycho-neurotic
has not been
down
reached
the presence
of people
with
such
has a noticeable
on the
tendencies
effect
of the
atmosphere
The
internal
of a worker
dissatisfaction
whose
workshop.
are
not
used
is sometimes
not
powers
being
consciously
seen at its true value,
but
in resentment
itself
and
spreads
of the whole
criticism
Such
grow
system.
irritable,
people
social
the ordinary
amenities
the perspective
of
disappear,
a
and
affairs
sometimes
to
aimless
vanishes,
tendency
mischief
arises.
Thus
there was a case where,
out of detesta
of monotonous
tion
work
in a very
a
poor
environment,
crew of men
sheet material
at a conveyor
handling
fragile
an undoubted
extracted
and
relief
from
pleasure
periodic
of some of the material.
were
destruction
When
conditions
was
the
to
reduced
The
improved
spoilage
insignificance.
of
is not
such workers
it
because
protest
foolish,
always
comes
to the monotony
of reaction
of the work,
by way
the mere
fact
of
and
their
adds
investigating
complaints
of interest
to their
work.
something
can be attributed
in which
The
effects
only way
physical
to monotonous
work
is by the comparison
of
satisfactorily
so far not been
This
of workers.
has
groups
done,
though
an
on these
lines
is proceeding.
I believe
The
investigation
not
will
effects
be
connected
with
physical
monotony,
cases where
for in those
is felt to be
facie,
prima
monotony
occurs
most
the
lesion
that
will
be functional
oppressive,
in the nature
and
of a defence
continuance
in the
against
to remember
work.
AVe have
case
the
of miner's
only
to see that
is a possibility.
this
It was
found
nystagmus
the eye
twitch
which
that
characterized
this
was
disease
in origin,
to some
and
its occurrence
functional
degree
a method
of unconscious
was
self defence
the dis
against
and dangers
comforts
of the pit.
of the obvious
One
of preventing
the development
ways
is to stop work.
of boredom
It was
out
earlier
pointed
that
the
of work
was
there
not
by
increasing
continuity
a gain
in output,
one
and
of
the
tendencies
necessarily
[m_?_?5?2S_a
475
1
noticed
in workers
under
these
conditions
is the
taking
of
unofficial
rests.
Here
the
before
counters
again
mentioned
us
an
with
Time
provide
example.
study
showed
was
dull
and
found
that,
although
counting
it actually
less
than
two
hour?
monotonous,
occupied
out
of
the
six-hour
was
which
There
worked.
day
was
a
but
ten
allowance
of
unofficial,
traditional,
minutes
from
a
work
twice
whenever
it was
away
day,
most
even
But
revealed
the
fact
that
required.
analysis
with
the slowest
workers
at least
of the day
forty minutes
went
in odd
seconds
and minutes
of complete
from
rest
even
work.
the fast workers
With
time was
taken.
longer
of the total
Out
was
about
two-thirds
taken
in the after
noon
are most
The
of monotony
in
spell.
feelings
oppressive
as is usual
the afternoon,
when
work
of short
consists
and,
it was
found
the actual
repeated
that,
cycles,
speed
although
of counting
did
not
fall
amounts
off,
greatly
increasing
of rest were
taken
between
towards
the
being
repetitions
end of the day.
It has
been
curve
the work
also
that
in
can,
thought
certain
evidence
of monotony.
This
circumstances,
provide
curve
shows
rate
the
at various
of working
in the
times
in its usual
a rise
and
from
to
shows
form
the
start
day,
a maximum
at about
of work,
the
third
hour
followed
a decline
curve
to the
dinner
hour.
afternoon
The
by
at
rises
and
more
or
declines
less
then
rapidly
first,
as the afternoon
wears
on.
sharply
curves
of work
be monotonous
found
to
Laboratory
a
often
show
in the middle
by the subjects
very
depression
of the
The
workers
at
at
a pace
dash
the work
spell.
which
causes
a decline
cannot
Boredom
last.
in speed,
the
time
at
that
have
been
until,
overestimating
they
a spurt
because
of
the
end
work,
begins
they
anticipate
the
finish
spell.
They
strongly.
in
has
shown
continuous
and
addition
comp
Wyatt
tometer
work
that
this tendency
to slow down
in the middle
of a spell
is most
in those
clear
who
find
the mono
people
most
of the work
It was
distasteful.
found
tony
by Miss
in an experiment
under
to
conditions
Burnett,
ver}* close
was
in industry,
in which
those
work
done
with
obtaining
rest
was
curve
and without
the
that
pauses,
depressed
given
by the more
preponderatingly
intelligent
subjects?
on those
who were
bored?and
also the most
days
especially
of rest pauses,
the absence
to
the
when,
through
tendency
seem
to be most
would
marked.
monotony
our
seen
From
be
it will
that
cf
any method
inquiry
the
of work
will
be a step
in the
reducing
uniformity
so
as
a
of keeping
the
direction,
long
right
necessity
balance
between
too much
its
with
effect
change,
irritating
on
on output,
workers
and
its depressing
effect
and
piece
too
with
the danger
of monotony,
is realized.
little,
Any
we
can use
to increase
or tho
which
the
method
interest
will
to work
be effective.
is not
incentive
Boredom
felt,
or at least has no chance
nervous
of developing
into serious
if the worker
feels
the work
is
exhaustion,
that,
though
it
is worth
What
it worth
makes
dull,
doing.
doing
a
man
be anything?from
to a young
in the
may
high wage
same
be pride
It may
in the organization,
factory.
pride
own skill,
or
for the company
in one's
the
personal
liking
a good
With
affords.
the plea
workshop
atmosphere
factory
on work
is not put
of monotony
con
forward
where
other
at once
would
ditions
of resentment
and
produce
feelings
boredom.
in work,
on tho
to increase
interest
In order
short
talks
worker
to the
of each
and
his
relation
process
general
been
have
scheme
Wherever
it
is possible
suggested.
an
some method
of giving
the worker
in output
interest
and
the
of
outlook
is often
is desirable,
most
change
this
is done.
Miss
when
Burnett's
marked
experiments
to illuminate
were
this point
others.
Her
among
designed
for
two
worked
of
three
four
months,
periods
subjects
later on piece
on time
and
rates
rates.
was
The work
first
the piece-rate
in both
the periods.
identical
During
period
found
much
worked
the girls
in
interest
harder,
greater
an
almost
showed
of
the
the
absence
work,
complete
and
achieved
increases
of output
which
curve,
monotony
from
9.3 to 17.9 per cent.
ranged
and
rest
of
of
value
of work
is
The
pauses
changes
of breaking
The
effect
the working
also marked.
up
the prospect
of stopping
is to allow
work
to be an
period
This content downloaded on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:34:52 AM
All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
-
476
SEPT, xi, 1926]
-??-
SECTION OF MEDICAL
-?-?
of
time
the
for
Change
being.
continuing
for
than
desirable
is possible,
is more
rest,
the
from
a
breakaway
temporary
complete
be
There
wearisome.
which
has
become
may
a definite
into
for
period
together
collecting
opportunities
and
various
removing
operations,,
fetching
subsidiary
it
Or
which
would
be done
otherwise
work,
sporadically.
a
of
to
work
of
be necessary
the
group
may
specialize
to get
The
conditions.
still
further
the
required
people
a case
Institute
of
National
Industrial
had
Psychology
a process
a group
on
were
where
of
girls
employed
the
which
certain
involved
parcels,
opening
checking
on
a
the
contents,
operation
punching
performing
and
time
the
The
average
contents,
parcels.
remaking
was
con
thirteen
minutes
under
per
parcel
ordinary
at an exorbi
not working
but
under
ditions,
supervision,
a
over
tant
two workers
minutes
rate,
averaged
eight
one
of monotony.
There
complained
period.
Every
long
was much
in the room,
and
and between
litter
congestion
a
to be made
and the next
had
to the
each parcel
journey
so that
one
store
shelves.
process,
up the work
By dividing
of the parcels
team
did
the preliminary
of girls
opening
went
while
the distribution
collection
of work
to two
and
was
and
not
in
teams,
inspecting
punching
only
output
even
were
rest
when
creased
in
cent.,
pauses
by 10 per
but by having
teams
the three
functions
at
serted,
change
a break
came
there
to which
intervals
all
looked
forward.
more
each
involved
than
the old
Although
repetition
job
three
for an hour
complete
cycle,
repetition
yet
jobs done
more
each proved
than
the former
permanently
interesting
and more
varied
less
process
longer
repeated
frequently.
we
an
Here
also
had
of
the
environmental
example
a result
influence.
of the
As
in organization
the
change
room became
were
tidier.
There
fewer
a
since with
people,
in output
10 per cent,
some
increase
be moved
could
to do
was
less moving
other
There
and
the possijobs.
about,
time
for the first
of developing
or swing
in
bility
rhythm
a part
the work.
It became
obvious
of the
that
reaction
was
so severe
work
in this
which
that
room,
against
only
were
was
shifts
due
to the
operative,
half-day
congested,
and
of
conditions
work.
irritating,
untidy
incentive
work,
there
attitude
-'-?!
tests
of capacity
to tolerate
uniform
work
Specific
have
been
for
tests
suggested.
Except
Munsterberg's
quoted
which
not been much
have
most
of these
earlier,
developed,
take
the
form
of
tasks
in which
the
long
uninteresting
rate
of output
is measured
There
is some
continuously.
an erratic
evidence
that
a
with
slight
performance,
widely
rate
of output
from
minute
to minute,
is an
varying
indication
of
the
future
of
the
to
liability
subject
In addition
to these
tests
monotony.
special
any method
of selection
which
into work
for which
innate
guides
people
and aptitudes
fit them will,
dispositions
reduce
pro
tanto,
the possibilities
of
so minimize
and
the effects
disharmony,
of monotony.
Some
of the worst
are those
sufferers
who,
lack
of
or other
feel
through
them
dexterity
disability,
on the verge
selves
of failure
at their
job, and,
struggling
which
do not
as
realize
against
something
tiiey
inevitable,
disheartened
and
grow
depressed.
[m.SS.SjSS.*
I have
in this paper
tried
the
of many
interaction
most
are personal
important
to show
how monotony
depends
of which
the
perhaps
no
doubt
is
Since
there
are bound,
of the determining
that many
under
conditions
the
increase
their
methods
of
to
present
production,
over
influence
the general
of workers,
it is important
body
to recognize
we
see them,
the
the ways
results
when
and
in which
there
be
combated.
may
If,
monotony
finally,
must
is a gradation
of
be
then
suitable
interest,
people
steered
into the most
social
for the general
work,
exacting
welfare
suffers
the
while
the wrong
person
against
fights
If
monotonous
the
costs
of
uncongenial
job.
improving
are economic,
are
work
the
losses
its continuance
through
not
to the
in human
to preach
values.
fears
One
only
to
if that
comes
There
is one more
can
be taken
to reduce
step which
: there
the
incidence
of monotony
is still
the
possibility
of selecting
for the more
workers
dull
and
work
repetitive
tests.
It has
often
been
stated
in
that
by diagnostic
are more
to suffer
from monotony
telligent
people
likely
than
the unintelligent,
and
it is quite
true
a
that,
priori,
we
are most
should
who
those
of dealing
expect
capable
new
with
and
situations
to suffer
adequately
unexpected
most
in work
which
makes
no
demands
for
initiative.
Miss
Burnett
found
of the
that
four
the
two most
girls,
"
"
as
a
indicated
directions
intelligent,
by
simple
test,
found
the work
most
monotonous
and
furnished
the most
of monotony.
evidence
But
the
not
has
objective
stage
come
for the preparation
of norms
above
which
yet
entry
to a monotonous
not be recommended.
There
must
job will
be time
for the collection
of more
and valuable
results
data,
be forthcoming
when
the figures
of
labour
may
turnover
on repetitive
with
to
jobs are analysed,
respect
intelligence,
at the conclusion
of the experiment
on vocational
guidance
now
carried
out
the
National
Institute
of
being
by
Industrial
Psychology.
SOCIOLOGY.
on
but
converted,
mental
attitudes
it
cannot
are vital
factors,
ones.
be too
factors
emphasized
strongly
in production.
that
j
DISCUSSION.
i
Research
Miss
May
Smith
Board)
(Industrial
Fatigue
were
of monotony
said
that
and
criticisms
complaints
went
who
made
educated
through
usually
people
by highly
as investigators.
a
as observers,
or in some
instances
factory
was
to put
himself
sin
The
of
the
besetting
investigator
as it
that work
in the place
of the worker,
and then
judge
to see
It was
it.
would
him were
affect
he doing
necessary
was
as
The
to
worker.
word
work
it really
the
the
"
"
one
absence
meant
of
and
tone,
monotony
represented
to "repetition
of
it wras frequently
attached
stimulation;
be studied
must
either
movements
movement."
Repetitive
to
as
case
the
in which
their
such,
belonged
problems
or
be put
in
must
of habit
formation,
they
psychology
at least
include
would
their
which
setting
complete
setting,
as the hours
amount
done
the varying
the repetition
work,
about
and authorities
of fellow
workers
| go on, the opinions
and
emotional
? that
changes,
work,
changes,
physiological
on one process
Workers
the collective
life of the
factory.
I
some
as monotonous
other
process,
stigmatized
frequently
! when
was
to choose
between
to the observer
there
nothing
to be
work
could
not be said
monotonous
In
them.
itself,
as in so
as such;
to the health
of the worker
detrimental
a question
of rela
it was
industrial
other
problems,
many
on
of work
effect
of a given
tion?that
type
is, of the
or
to criticize
useless
a given
It was
of
person.
type
a process
of
the person
wh'>
to assess
regardless
attempt
now
to
was
It was
to work
at
it.
easy
comparatively
or neuro-muscular
a person's
measure
intelligence
general
the
to measure
it was
objectively
impossible
equipment;
and
A worker
of average
emotional
intelligence
make-up.
or factory
on routine
in an office
where
work
skill engaged
was
was
there
where
and
the
dull,
atmosphere
general
or for whose
in whom
she took any interest
approval
nobody
: she might
in one
of
four
react
she cared,
ways
might
a bad
for
seize
become
every
opportunity
timekeeper,
as she
as unsatisfactory
and become
the work,
just
leaving
bo
She
would
be without
the
could
probably
job.
losing
"
in trouble.
and be frequently
called
difficult,"
Secondly,
and
but of
lower
of similar
in a person
speed
intelligence
lead to sensations
of tired
boredom
quickly
might
vitality
to some
of the
in tura
led to attention
which
ness,
part
come
into
which
she was
That
using
might
part
body.
and complain
that
feel a pain
she would
and
consciousness,
she had
her head
that
her eyes
rheumatism,
ached,
ached,
or that
could
which
she suffered
from
nobody
indigestion
and
well
the
cure.
It was
placed
people
rarely
happy
The boredom
of sick leaves
who had a sequence
every
year.
as a negative
resistance.
acted
Thirdly,;
agent,
weakening
on
for
with
worker
tho
years
carry
gradually
might
was
related
the monotony
to
Here
interest.
diminishing
to the
than
of
the
work
rather
conditions
the
general
that
She would
of movements.
actual
complain
repetition
on her
be
she would
and
the work
irritable,
nerves;
got
"
nervous
some
breakdown.*
form of
have
would
probably
"
to
fed up."*
was
not
Breakdown
equivalent
infrequently
in
the
interested
and
the
worker
work,
get
might
Fourthly,
or
she might
its monotony;
about
if asked
laugh
might
was
there
outside.
the
it and
Finally,
compensate
accept
was
This
reaction
out
the
via
by no'
way
day-dream.
nor were
its effects
Some
means
simple.
universal,
people;
This content downloaded on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:34:52 AM
All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
SEPT. ii,
monoon
and
their
carry
day-dream
quite
happily
work
content
the
The
of
efficiently.
day-dream
it was
of a compensa
be elicited,
but
rarely
usually
it allowed
of activities
and
of the
tory
type;
expression
not
'?emotions
in reality.
found
Others
expressed
normally
that
the
interfered
with
their
work;
day-dream
they
tended
to oscillate
the work,
between
did not occupy
which
*them fully,
and the day-dream.
looked
Others,
upon
again,
the day-dream
as
to be opposed,
resisted
and
it,
something
in
the
to have
valuable
process
wasting
energy;
they tended
of a serious
nature.
psycho-neurotic
symptoms
Occasionally
the day-dream,
instead
of being
and
controllable,
pleasant
became
the master,
more
and the
became
and more
subject
a victim
and
self-centred
cases
of
In
these
the
fantasy.
work
was
as a
looked
from
the
upon
refuge
unpleasant
character
of ths day-dream.
T. Knowles
Major
(Supervisor
said
the monotony
that
Centre)
cesses
was
a
of constant
subject
some firms would
remark
of the
couldn't
do
it;
INDUSTRY.
[mk?_S_Sj _* 4^7
' 'I
-?-;
Scould
!ionous
'could
I
IN MODERN
OF MONOTONY
EFFECTS
1026]
it would
of Messrs.
of modern
discussion,"
How
work,
kill me."
Boots'
Welfare
industrial
pro
to
and visitors
monotonous!
But
what
was
was
a question
of
individual
monotony?
Monotony
surely
and
it was
to generalize
and
preference,
impossible
say
that
such
and
such a thing
was monotonous.
If everyone
found
the same
how monotonous
monotonous,
things
every
one would
be.
it possible
Was
to find
in stamping
interest
boxes
His
to show
tended
the
that
every
day?
inquiries
found
of
much
was
in the work.
interest
work
No
girls
and
was
a definite
there
in the way
the
unskilled,
pride
was done
work
and
in the speed
of the work.
"Where girls
were
in teams
was
there
the desire
a part
to play
working
, in the group
and where
were
these
results
results,
posted
the pride
in individual
skill
and
in the collective
of
skill
the
was
accentuated.
In addition
to the
interest
group
which
the work
itself
there was
the interest
created
created,
and
It was
said
that
by
companionship
surroundings.
was
there
on the mental
effect
faculties
of these
deadening
a lack of
and
for self-development.
workers,
opportunity
was
But
leisure
the time
for self-development,
and Major
Knowles
would
which
removed
the
support
any movement
from
leisure
and
to the workers
offered
monotony
oppor
tunities
for development.
He
would
claim
that work
need
not
the
but
it must
provide
necessarily
development,
the means
for that
and
it was
provide
development;
only
had
been
called
monotonous
methods
by what
repetitive
that
this
could
be secured.
Girls
who
had
been
for some
on
work
took
their
in the mental
years
repetitive
part
were
recreations
that
and
the
non-vocational
offered,
were
culture
classes
made
of girls
of this
up
largely
type.
it unnecessary
to absorb
their
at classes
in
Finding
evenings
or
that
shorthand,
commercial
vague
book-keeping,
subject
were
free to attend
the housewifery,
practice,
they
cookery,
and
leatherwork
classes.
To show
the absence
needlework,
of detrimental
results
in repetitive
work
Knowles
Major
the experience
; quoted
of an office
In this par
department.
ticular
office
was
a staff of two hundred
there
department
were
one-third
of whom
in adding
girls,
machine
engaged
the
other
were
two-thirds
in
work,
employed
ordinary
work.
office
of
The
sickness
those
percentage
amongst
in repetitive
was
work
about
one-half
of that
for
engaged
on
the
rest.
The
were
work
and
girls
repetitive
happy
resented
effort
to change
their
healthy;
they
any
work;
were
in the
their
they
playing
part
social,
educational,
and
recreational
and
to
arouse
artificial
discontent
work,
that
the work
was
was
by constantly
suggesting
injurious
a futile
to do.
thing
The
wise
realized
that
his
did
employer
responsibility
not cease with
the weekly
methods
pay envelope.
Repetitive
or any
other
methods
would
be harmful
if the
working
were
conditions
not good.
Tho employer
should
take
every
in time
aud motion
rest
precaution,
ventilation,
study,
and
the provision
of suitable
to ensure
pauses,
apparatus
safe
and
and welfare
work
in its medical,
easy working;
and
recreational
must
educational,
aspects
co-operate.
"The problem
of monotony,
said Major
was
one
Knowles,
of the many
of
industrial
but
problems
management,
they
should
be
somewhat
in their
slow
on
these
judgement
was
a new
There
in industry
which
would
problems.
spirit
remove
in time
the
and
suspicion
consequent
opposition
j
that
existed
that
they
must
They
moderate
I
It was
not
by
to-day.
would
succeed;
statutory
secure
the
atmosphere,
in their
statements.
^
rules
and
methods
and,
regulations
must
fail.
above
be
all,
'
of Factories)
Slocock
Inspector
(Superintending
of wrhat were
in endeavouring
to get
examples
or
monotonous
considered
the most
occupations,
generally
the
with
once
at
confronted
rather
she was
processes,
as mono
was
no such
in one
sense
fact
that
there
thing
of
certain
was
tonous
reaction
work.
the
It
rather
on under
certain
human
to certain
work
carried
beings
carried
or work
not necessarily
work
conditions,
repetitive
on for
and
character
The
of
tempera
long spells.
question
mono
a
ment
that
such
what
appeared
part
played
large
least
the
in
one
tonous
to
not
prove
person
might
so to another.
showed
that
it was
repetitive
Inquiries
to be
considered
of various
work
kinds
that was
generally
creative
absence
of
the
It was
monotonous.
probably
of
sensation
about
the
in any work
that
aspect
brought
an
old
was
This
well
by "
expressed
aspect
monotony.
Nowa
said:
who
in the West
of England
maker
collar
when
work
in one's
interest
to take
it is difficult
any
days
sees
never
one
a small
the finished
does
and
portion
only
collar
the whole
In the old days
when
article.
you made
a good
but
out
turned
satisfied
when
felt
one,
you
you
to no
one."
finished
when
collar
the
belongs
nowadays
information
definite
to get
It seemed
any
very
impossible
on the mental
as to the adverse
of repetitive
work
effect
were
certain
but
there
health
of workers;
and
physical
on
the
an
had
which
subject.
bearing
important
I factors
on
worker
to draft
the new
Thus
it was
young
customary
as soon
her
to promote
monotonous
to the most
job and
more
to work
as opportunity
offered
intelligence.
requiring
j
was
too
not
on the monotonous
work
If the
time
spent
but
was
to
affect
the
it
health,
physical
scarcely
likely
long
of
the mental
it might
affect
if unduly
capacity
prolonged
work.
to other
her
less
and make
the worker
adaptable
to nine
hours
the shortened
working
day of eight
Secondly,
or forty-eight
hours
had doubt
of forty-seven
and the week
which
extent
the
to a very
less mitigated
fatigue
large
Under
work.
of monotonous
hours
from
would
result
longer
hours
and
the workers
shorter
modern
conditions
appeared
even
more
when
and
to be
alert,
performing
brighter
were
now
feeds
automatic
monotonous
Thirdly,
jobs.
of such
monotonous
The
work.
much
tending
eliminating
was
a
it supplied
with
material
a machine
and
keeping
monotonous
than
and
more
less
much
job
interesting
very
or sheets
into
the
of small
continuous
the
parts
feeding
environment
the
it was
machine.
undoubtedly
Fourthly,
itself
the work
was
done
rather
than
the work
in which
of the
condition
and
the mental
affected
which
physical
if it was
of the factory,
The mental
workers.
atmosphere
soon
lack
for
and
compensate
interesting,
might
friendly
an
over
Constant
in the
interest
of
nagging
by
job.
condi
or
forewoman
and
bad
foreman
anxious
hygienic
a feeling
soon
create
such
on the other
hand,
might
tions,
work
the most
became
and worry.that
of strain
interesting
and
lost heart
and
the workers
and
irksome
burdensome,
voca
into
scientific
while
health.
investigation
Lastly,
the
elimination
of
of work,
methods
tional
selection,
of
the
movements,
wasteful
adoption
labour-saving
appli
to
had
and
hours
of work
rest
and
ances,
pauses
helped
was
there
real
could
be counteracted,
show how monotony
as regards
Work
carried
for warning
need
overspeeding.
was
far more
on at too high
pressure
probably
fatiguing
than
work
at the
the health
to affect
and
adversely
likely
a
over
own
worker's
pace
slightly
spread
period.
longer
was
not generally
and
of employment
Alternation
popular,
on unskilled
monotonous
work
even young
workers
appeared
own particular
an affection
for their
to have
job.
Miss
|
said
that
the
of
Chiswick
Polish
K.
Miss
Dowding,
Company,
of mechanical
was
now
the
said that
inevitability
industry
but
that
methods
organized
highly
brought
undisputed,
and physiologist,
for the psychologist
one of
new problems
was
form of
this new
She used
the term
which
"monotony.
"
of monotony
new
for
form
it was
advisedly,
only
to suppose
that monotony
and
its ill effects
reasonable
had
in
with
connexion
the
ever
work
been
since
"the
present
This content downloaded on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:34:52 AM
All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
478
Sept.
ix, 1926]
SECTION OF MEDICAL
sum
a subdivision
increased
the
of
labour
that
discovery
of men.
number
total
of work
any
produced
by
given
was
now
looked
Hand
for
upon
instance,
spinning,
"
as one of the
old crafts,"
but
rosy glasses
very
through
to sit and
to our
alone
would
indeed
be
spin
monotony
modern
girl.
was
Miss
little
that
there
real
very
Dowding
thought
felt
in wSA organized
factories
monotony
by girls
to-day.
was
a type
was
or
There
of girl
who
constitutionally
or on
to work
unable
either
with
emotionally
machinery
was
because
her natural
of a leisurely
piece-work,
rhythm
were
were
There
other
who
mechanical
type.
girls
truly
and
their
were
from
time
to
to industry;
to give
free
sufficient
industry
the worker
to undertake
kind
activities
of a different
; and
an education
as would
to give
the
such
enable
individual
use of his spare
him to make
an enlightened
and stimulating
time.
the
Dr.
J. Stewart
said that
Mackintosh
(Hampstead)
a
issue was
one.
of
The
inhabitants
ultimately
biological
this
the hunting,
had
country
passed
through
successively
era
and
and
industrial
the
pastoral,
agricultural
stages,
was
as great
a revolution
as those
at
which
had
least
it.
communities
The
traditions,
preceded
whereby
simple
to the soil through
maintained
attached
many
generations
to the
their
unserviceable
health,
huge,
uprooted,
proved
A new
and floating
of the
districts.
industrial
populations
more
and
be
tradition
must
devised
complex
by wThich
conditions
to new
and
psychological
physical
adjustment
the search
to ask themselves
be effected.
had
might
They
were
the elements
whether
eliminating
ing question
they
in their
them
national
which
had made
great,
composition
or whether
were
to maintain
still
the quality
going
they
machine
industrial
of the British
the
people
by adapting
more
to the man
and the man
less to the machine.
loved
own
to
attached
machinery,
becoming
peculiarly
and others
whose
activities
machine,
particular
excited
and
elated
in
It was
kept
by piece-work.
care
in the
and placing
of the workers,
greater
choosing
and
the more
and
of
thoughtful
provision
arrangement
their
that
the
of
the
environment,
working
prevention
mental
and
ill effects
of
phjsical
repetitive
production
could
be looked
for.
in the first
Correct
instance
placing
or transference
in the
determined
early
days
frequently
the
between
drifter
and
the
artisan.
contented
Correct
had
its effects
the whole
of workers.
upon
group
placing
was
than
for a discontented
easier
worker
to turn
Nothing
a
into monotonous
for a whole
job
pleasurable
drudgery
of workers.
This
of the workers
made
group
suggestibility
so difficult.
of monotony
the whole
a most
It was
problem
and they
be extremely
should
careful
contagious
complaint,
as
an
before
labelled
industrial
they
monotony
urgent
Miss
had been unable
to collect
evidence
problem.
Dowding
of any
serious
deleterious
effects
from
arising
repetition
save
cases
in isolated
of unsuitability
were
which
work,
of readjustment.
In factories
with
conditions
capable
good
it was
to find
easier
instances
of keen
resentment
and
a
at
distress
transfer.
The
whole
genuine
suggested
was
one
of the
attitude
of mind
of the
question
largely
It was
worker.
the
of
absorbed
general
feeling
being
"
"
into some vast
which
was*the
fornidaimpersonal
thing
tion of the
irksomeness
work?whether
of factory
repetitive
or otherwise.
It was
this
impersonality
"
"only by attacking
that
the
of work
dead
level
could
be altered.
a paper
In
which
she was
to
unable
read
through
Professor
Winifred
Cullis
submitted
that
the
absence, "
"
word
now
or
with
carried
it more
monotony
definitely
less descriptive
colour.
To
of a job as monotonous
speak
did not mean
it was
that
made
up of a
only
repetitive,
series
or might
of efforts
which
not
in themselves
might
be unpleasant,
was
an un
but
that
the
effect
general
one?in
other
an
it connoted
pleasant
words,
unpleasurable
reaction
to repetition.
The discussion
with
dealt
the repe
tition
of actions
not
arduous
to
which,
though
sufficiently
into play
the type of protection
associated
with
bring
heavy
a state
muscular
could
of exhaustion
work,
yet
produce
as serious,
or even more
so.
or
This
of fatigue
kind
quite
came
boredom
which
from
work
be due
repetitive
might
to fatigue
nerve
in certain
centres
concerned
in the per
as had
formance
of
the
action
been
; or,
suggested
by
C. S. Myers,
the
arise
from
the
fact
that
fatigue
might
the successful
of a certain
act necessitated
the
performance
of other
not compatible
actions
with
it.
These
suppression
more
mental
inhibited
became
and more
difficult
processes
as
to- suppress
from that
set in.
inhibition
Investi
fatigue
had
were
shown
that
individual
differences
gation
very
in reference
to reaction
marked
to repetitive
In the
work.
those
tests
who
the best
gave
laboratory
subjects
showings
on
the
of the
were
tests
the most
findings
intelligence
on the findings
of the experimental
variable
workers
tests.
The
of
introduction
rest
a beneficial
had
pauses
always
was
there
less fatigue,
and the average
was
effect;
output
increased
counter
quite
definitely.
Group
working
might
or inclinations
act
the particular
desires
of an
individual
of the group,
member
and
the
of repetitive
work
fatigue
be lessened
to the general
attention
might
by paying
special
of the work,
and more
to the
arrangement
particularly
to the worker.
of
the machine
In
the
adjustment
fact,
were
to make
the times
of work
such as to be
requirements
consistent
with
the
both
health
of
the worker
and
the
of the industry
rest pauses
under
; to> introduce
prosperity
as to the period
and duration,
advice
since these
differ
expert
SOCIOLOGT. [m^w?ai.
it was
that
J. Jenkins
Robb
agreed
(Birmingham)
of
to separate
from
the question
difficult
monotony
and
inter
to him
Both
seemed
interdependent
fatigue.
a
was
there
He
feared
in their
that
related,
complexity.
of
of
the
in the
distinct
question
overemphasis
danger
in too much
and
in industrial
conditions,
being
psychology
to psycho-analysis.
akin
lurk a factor
claimed
for it might
an
its
was
not
and
therefore
exact
science,
Psychology
were
so far as labour
be
should
conditions
concerned,
claims,
Dr.
most
i
he
In
the
council's
watched.
reports
reading
carefully
some
were
of
that
in the most
felt
stages,
initiatory
they
of
to very
small
the smallness
their
tables
referred
groups,
and
unsafe.
the
conclusions
group
Judgement
making
j
on
be
must
based
evidence
large
experience
| conclusive
so apparent
was
to tho
not
correlated.
Monotony
properly
an
such
less educated,
labour,
though
argument
against
it.
In his opinion
resented
he found,
workers,
thoughtful
so caused.
was
He
was
termed
neurasthenia
much
of what
to sickness
of monotony
to know
the
like
relation
in a large
into
this question
for
group
benefit,
injooking
in a friendly
he found
workers
of organized
report,
society's
now
was
and
that
in this
sickness
section
last
more,
costing
not meet
rates
did
from
sick
income
that
showed
year
had
for
its object
motion
study
expenditure.
Taylor's
even
showed
of production,
and
increase
figures
Taylor's
to a great
went
that
while
extent,
wages
up
production
the percentage
and
a comparatively
small
made
advance,
was
worker
was
the
So
of
high.
present-day
rejected
or plan
meant
which
observations
of any
system
suspicious
so that he might
be speeded
a stop-watch
in hand
with
up;
a relative
as a rule,
in wTages;,
it meant,
for to him
drop
was twin brother
in work
and discontent
it bred discontent;
would
to monotony.
to the
Dr.
J. Lockhart
frequent
" (Nottingham)
"objected
in certificates.
When
use
term
neurasthenia
the
of
was
whose
ill the panel
the patient
doctor,
vaguely
only
some
was
to put
had
for benefit,
valid
alone
certificate
"
"
the
neurasthenia
He
the word
used
down.
; and
thing
was
to unstick.
Medicine
took months
label, once
applied,
was
to be any
medicine
a clinical
; if industrial
problem
with
the doctor
outside.
Di\
it involved
co-operation
good
should make
of Health
the Ministry
that
desired
Lockhart
this
co-operation
official.
believed
that
the
Murrell
Christine
Dr.
(London)
She
of
element
monotony.
hoped
produced
compulsion
remove
in time
would
of machinery
that
the development
to
of
The
the
machine.
vocational
testing
monotony
was
of the utmost
importance.
capacity
said that monotony
C. Forbes
Dr.
(Aberdeen)
appeared,
to be an essential
at the present
of
time,
part
industry.
It might
be anticipated
of
the
invention
that
progress
would
devices
the more
gradually
replace
by mechanical
now
on
monotonous
human
carried
processes
beings..
by
This content downloaded on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:34:52 AM
All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
Sept.
In
AFFECTS
ix, 1926]
was
work
to
meantime
welfare
as
as
it did
at neutralizing
far
of monotony
in work.
While
many
in monotonous
did
work
not
find
ployed
on
either
account
did,
and,
undoubtedly
or of
were
broken
education,
temperament,
the
aiming
effects
happiness
vocational
by
tests
routine.
These
more
and given
should
varied
be
work
OF FATIGUE
be
as
it
of
encouraged,
the
possible
em
workers
some
irksome
intelligence,
in health
and
eliminated
by
to do.
Sir Thomas
Legge
that
Office, Whitehall)
thought
(Home
welfare
work
some
would
back
of
gradually
portion
bring
the
interest
in work
that
existed
in the mediaeval
guilds.
In
the
was
there
between
and
guilds
comity
employer
the
sick were
cared
Was
work
im
employed;
for,
good
and pride
was
in the work.
taken
Trade
unions
portant,
and
same
should
have
the
aims
employers
nowadays.
was
which
was
absent
in the
Competition,
guilds,
pro
of monotony
had not
ducing
monotony,
though
complaints
been
before
him
much
the
workers
themselves.
brought
by
There
more
conditions
that
were,
indeed,
many
urgent
to be got rid of before
was
tackled.
required
monotony
Dr.
was
Brackenbury
more
said
that
Sir Thomas
(London)
Legge
of
the
effects
of monotony;
physical
think
also
of
was
the
mental
effects.
It
curious
they
that
all the
on
had
men
female
nearly
speakers
spoken
Was
a
there
not
also
of men?
He
tality.
mentality
would
like to see communal
as well
as
pride,
individual,
in the products
of
in the finished
labour?pride
products
in which
the workers
taken
had
There
should
also
part.
be artistic
in
the
and
the development
of
pride
products,
this would
be helped
nature
of the
by the
surroundings,
an artistic
environment
for
the worker.
most
im
And,
of all, work
must
not be separated
from
the rest
portant
of life.
A proper
attitude
towards
life
in general
should
be instilled
into the minds
of the worker.
thinking
should
Dr. H.
S.
had
started
Beadles
as an
said
that
like others,
he,
(Romford)
but with
inside
idealist;
years'
thirty
of many
of the
factories
of most
experience
large
types
of
he wished
to warn
his
hearers
too
industry,
against
much
interference
with
the
life of the worker,
particularly
outside
the
been
asked
the Home
factory.
Having
by
to help
Office
in the
formation
of
statistical
he
records,
in a position
did not
feel
to do
and
he noted
that
so;
were
statistics
in percentages
on the
result
of as
quoted
cases
few as three
Welfare
had
investigated.
departments
been of great
to the worker
inside
the factory
help
provided
in suitable
some of the
but
they had been
hands,
superin
tendents
of these were
the workers
own
into their
following
the
interference
involved
was
in this
homes;
seriously
resented
of the employees.
by many
DISCUSSION ON
THE
PHYSICAL
AND MENTAL EFFECTS OF
'
FATIGUE
IN MODERN
OPENING
INDUSTRY.
PAPERS.
I.__W.
Chairman
LIONEL
HICHENS,
of Cammell,
Laird
and Co.
no pretension
I have
to expert
on the
knowledge
subject
of industrial
and I cannot
even
claim
that
fatigue,
degree
of practical
comes
which
from daily
contact
with
knowledge
I can claim
But
to be keenly
interested
workshop
practice.
in the subject,
since I have
been a^member
of the Industrial
Research
Board
from
its early
and
have
Fatigue
days,
followed
its activities
closely.
This
has been
called
the age of science,
and
the
impor
of research
tance
and the application
of science
to
industry
is widely
We
realize
the
of an
recognized.
importance
research
into
the properties
of coal or of iron
exhaustive
we
and
are not
but
so
alive
to the
steel,
perhaps
fully
need of research
as applied
to the human
factor
in industry.
And
the human
factor
transcends
all others
in impor
yet
tance.
It
is not merely
that we want
industrial
workers
to be healthy;
wealthy?and
we do want
in
that;
it is not merely
that we want
of all that
is
spite
we want
them
also
them to be
said
to the
to be wise
contrary
con
and
IN MODERN
INDUSTRY.
[m?^j
5x*
479
. tented.
on the knowledge
And
contentment
must
be based
are cared
their
health
and well-being
for.
"
an unfortunate
Industrial
is perhaps
term,
fatigue
narrow.
because
it is both
too wide
too
It
is too
and
are
wide
because
it seems
to
that
there
certain
imply
in
trades
strenuous
this
which
demand
such
country
or mental
as to affect
exertion
health
the bodily
physical
of the worker.
Under
of an eight
conditions
the modern
hours
I do
and given
health
and good
training,
day,
good
not believe
is the case.
I do not deny,
that
this
of course,
are physically
that many
forms
exhaust
of industrial
work
or for too long spells,
too strenuously
but on
ing if pursued
are
combined
the whole
safeguards
adequate,
legislative
with
and
the natural
human
of
instinct
self-preservation
to
of workers
the experience
of ages,
to cause
all classes
or mental
so as to prevent
their
output
adjust
physical
a heavy
the
of
late war
the
During
injury.
early
days
was
on
demand
in certain
made
the workers
industries,
that
and
But
it was
found
responded
magnificently.
they
a time
were
the
to maintain
unable
after
the workers
a better
reduced
and
from
resulted
that
output
?pressure,
asserted
of work.
The
instinct
of self-preservation
hours
i itself
was
under
the health
before
of the workers
seriously
some
of
forms
the same
it is obvious
At
that
mined.
time,
deserve
are more
and
than
i work
others,
they
fatiguing
that
"
at which
in order
that
the point
may
begins
fatigue
j study
as far as possible,
the well
in order
and
that
be postponed
bo
thus
of workers
and
may
engaged
efficiency
being
true
that
it is undoubtedly
fatigue?
improved.
Again,
are not
even where
its direct
consequences
injurious?pre
Hence
I am con
diseases.
to certain
its subject
disposes
out by the Industrial
carried
vinced
that
the work
Fatiguo
the widest
and deserves
Board
is of great
Research
value,
support.
public
some
in
to indicate
I propose
of the directions
broadly
of the problem
of industrial
the
which
may
fatigue
study
is
the
In
it
first
with
bo
pursued
place,
advantage.
to
all
eliminate
desirable
unnecessary
physical
obviously
as far as
for
to substitute
and
effort,
machinery
possible
a problem
.hand
of course,
for
labour.
is primarily,
This
its importance.
to overrate
and
it is difficult
the engineer,
If the objective
of industry
is to be, as it should
be, to pay
can only
as the
be done
result
this
of high
wages,
high
neces
must
mechanical
devices
and
improved
productivity,
in the attainment
a principal
of this
end.
part
play
sarily
as I have
of machinery
substitution
But
the
said,
while,
of
the
labour
the work
is primarily
for hand
engineer,
on
of
industrial
workers
the
research
problem
engaged
to play
in studying
have
the design
also their
part
fatigue
of the
of view
comfort
and
the point
of machinery
from
i physical
This
is one
of
the
convenience
of the workers.
are now engaging
the attention
of the Indus
that
problems
and
the
is likely
to
trial
Research
Board,
inquiry
Fatiguo
in results.
be fruitful
and motion
is another
of
Time
aspect
important
study
I
are
Most
familiar
industrial
the
people
fatigue
problem.
was
and Mr.
that
initiated
with
the work
by Mr.
Taylor
as the
in America.
know
result
We
of a
Gilbreth
how,
Mr.
reduced
of
Gilbreth
the
brilliant
investigation,
piece
in bricklaying
from
to five,
involved
motions
and
eighteen
of bricks
laid per man
the number
from
increased
per hour
are familiar
Mr.
We
with
in
studies
120 to 350.
Taylor's
AVe know,
to the rate of loading
that
too,
pig-iron.
regard
"
"
met
with
determined
scientific
management
opposition
in America
when
it was
it is important
started.
But
first
this
has
also that
to remember
died
and
opposition
down,
are in general
unions
trade
that American
strong
supporters
of
of
in fact,
scientific
have
them,
management.
Many
own
it is to educate
their
whose
task
engineers,
efficiency
as well
as workers,
backward
in efficient
methods.
managers,
I think,
the main
lies
And
difference
between
herein,
are
in no way
and
We
America
this
behindhand
country.
but I fear that
in scientific
the attitude
of trade
research,
to scientific
is less friendly
unions
here
than
management
I believe
that
the Industrial
in America,
although
Fatigue
of which
the
is a prominent
Research
chairman
Board,
member
has
of Parliament,
done
Labour
much
to break
But
here
is one
earlier
of the ways
down
in
suspicions.
with
and workers
which
might
great
employers
advantage
more
closely.
co-operate
This content downloaded on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:34:52 AM
All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions