A Rational Wages System: Some Notes on the Method of Paying the Worker a Reward for Efficiency in Addition to Wages

A scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book discusses the principles of efficient wage payment systems, particularly focusing on a new method known as the Reward System, which aims to incentivize productivity among workers while maintaining their welfare. Atkinson emphasizes the necessity of scientific management to adapt to post-war industrial changes and to resolve ongoing tensions between workers and employers. At the start of the text, the author sets the stage by addressing the pressing issues of industrial efficiency arising from the war, highlighting the need for a rational approach to wage systems that benefits both employers and workers. He critiques existing wage payment methods, such as day work and piecework, explaining their flaws and how they contribute to workplace dissatisfaction. Through the introduction of the Reward System, Atkinson outlines how workers can earn incentives based on their productivity, creating a fairer relationship between labor costs and wages while fostering better working conditions. The preface and introductory sections serve to engage with the reader on the importance of this shift in industrial management principles for the post-war economy.