Re: Student request on work measurement

[David Kerridge <dfk@mwfree.net>]

I think we all (on the DEN) agree about this: as Martin
Stankard put it (my emphasis)

>....................... those interested in *understanding* work
>may find this post interesting.
>
Exactly. We must concentrate on the meaning and purpose
of the work, not simply on the total amount of time it takes.

When the whole system is improved by an intelligent approach
based on the SoPK, job satisfaction, productivity, and
quality will all increase. By concentrating *solely* on the
time, we are likely to decrease all three, even if visible
figures appear to show an improvement.

The original question, asking for:

>............ studies that measure the approximate amount
> of time each day that office workers are productive in the
> performance of their jobs.

sounded as if it was looking for references to published studies,
which are, sad to say, mainly based on a Taylorist view of work.

Just the other day, I got into conversation with the attendants
at a petrol station. Having heard what I do, one said:

"I hate my work".

I asked why this was. She replied:

"I used to enjoy it. But now we are measured, assessed,
and over-managed."

In what seemed to be the last straw, she said:

"And they tell us that happy staff make for happy
customers".

Best wishes
David
dfk@mwfree.net
========================================================================