The ideas included in the other four definitions are most unpleasant.  The thought of labor; the thought that the labor is imposed; the thought that the imposition is definite; that duty makes it necessary that it be done; that it is burdensome; that it is toilsome:  these are most unfortunate ideas and have been associated with the word so long in the human mind that it will be a matter of years before a new set of associations can be formed which will be pleasant, and which will render the word “task” attractive and agreeable to the worker and to the public in general.

NO OTHER ADEQUATE WORD HAS BEEN SUGGESTED.—­However, there seems to be no better word forthcoming; therefore, one can but follow the example of the masters in management, who have accepted this word, and have done their best to make it attractive by the way they themselves have used it.

To the writer, the word “stint” is far more attractive and more truly descriptive than is “task.”  Perhaps because of the old-fashioned idea that a reward, usually immediate, followed the completion of the “stint.”

Opinions as to a preferable word will doubtless vary, but it is self-evident that the word “task” has already become so firmly established in Scientific Management that any attempt to change it would result in a confusion.  It is far better to concentrate on developing a new set of associations for it in as many minds as possible.

DECIDED ADVANTAGE TO THE USE OF THE WORD TASK.—­Perhaps in one way it is fortunate that the use of the word “task” does coincide more or less with the use of that word under Traditional Management.  Under Traditional Management the task is the work to be done.  It may be just as well that the same word should be used under Scientific Management, in order that both the worker and investigator may realize, that, after all the work that is to be done is, in its essentials, exactly the same.  With this realization from the beginning, the mind of the worker or investigator may be the more predisposed to note the eliminations of waste and the cutting down of time, effort and fatigue under the scientifically derived methods.

DEFINITION OF TASK AS USED IN SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT.—­The task, under Scientific Management, differs from the task under Traditional Management in that—­

    1.  The tools and surrounding conditions with which the work
       shall be done are standardized.
    2.  The method in which the work shall be done is prescribed.
    3.  The time that the work shall take is scientifically
       determined.
    4.  An allowance is made for rest from fatigue.
    5.  The quality of the output is prescribed.

When to this is added the fact that the method is taught, and that the reward is ample, fixed, prompt and assured, the attractive features of the task under Scientific Management have been made plain.