WRITING THE STANDARD MEANS FOR CONVEYING INFORMATION.—­Under Scientific Management, and even in the early stages of Transitory Management, writing is the standard means of conveying information.

All orders, without exception, should be in writing.  This insures that the “eye workers” get their directions in the most impressive form; does away with the need of constant oral repetition; eliminates confusion; insures a clear impression in the mind of the giver as well as of the receiver of the order as to exactly what is wanted; and provides a record of all orders given.  Putting the instructions in writing in no way precludes utilizing the worker’s natural aptitude to learn by imitation, for he also always has the opportunity to watch and imitate the workings of the functional teachers as well as his scientifically taught fellow-workers.

THE INSTRUCTION CARD THE STANDARD METHOD OF CONVEYING INSTRUCTIONS AS TO THE TASK.—­The records of the work of the standard man are contained in data of the Motion Study and Time Study department.  These records, in the form in which they are to be used by the man who is to perform the task, are, for the benefit of that man, incorporated in what is known as the instruction card.

DEFINITION OF THE INSTRUCTION CARD.—­The instruction card is a set of directions for the man, telling him what he is to do, how he is to do it, how long it should take him to do it, and what he will receive for doing it, and giving him an opportunity to call for, and obtain, assistance the instant that he finds he cannot do it, and to report back to the managers as to how he has succeeded in the performance.

The Instruction Card has been called “a self-producer of a predetermined product.”

COMPARATIVE DEFINITION OF INSTRUCTION CARDS, UNDER SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT.—­There are three types of Instruction Cards, which may be described as follows: 

Type One:—­Largely geographical, telling 1.  Where to Work. 2.  From Whom to Take Orders. 3.  What to Do.

    Type Two:—­Typical engineer’s specification,—­telling
    1.  Results desired.
    2.  Qualities of Products.

    Type Three:—­A list of elementary, step-by-step instructions,
subdivided into their motions, with time allowed for each timable element, preferably for each motion, and a division between
    1.  Getting ready.
    2.  Making or constructing.
    3.  Clearing up.  This is the only type used by Scientific
       Management.

DIRECTIONS, PAY ALLOWANCE AND TIME ALLOWANCE ESSENTIAL.—­ The Instruction Card under Scientific Management must contain directions, and state the pay allowance and time allowance.

Directions as to how the work shall be done eliminate waste by cutting out all wrong methods and prescribing the right method exactly.