Fordism in Practice Ethics in Action

Henry Ford’s team of production managers pioneered the development of the moving conveyor belt and thus changed manufacturing practices forever. Millions of americans now could afford cars. YET – for workers many human & social problems resulted.

By 1914; Ford’s car plants were experiencing huge employee turnover – 300-400%. Workers left because they could not handle WORK INDUCED STRESS.

To motivate his workforce- reduce workday from 9hrs-8hrs & doubled the basic $2.50 to $5.00

Ford’s apparent generosity was matched by an intense effort to control the resources – both HUMAN & Material Employed hundreds of inspectors to check up on employees, both inside and outside his factories.

Employees were not allowed to talk to one another – adapted a system like ventriloquists, “FORD LISP”

Ford’s obsessed with control – inspectors visited homes, checked habits and problems. Employees who exhibited behaviors contrary to ford’s standards were fired.