F.W. Taylor's lecture on management, June 4, 1907: an introduction

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce Frederick W. Taylor's lecture on his “task” system of management, given at his home in “Boxley” in 1907. Design/methodology/approach – The paper summarizes the lecture's contents, and details its background. Findings – The paper emphasizes the critical importance of primary sources to the work of management scholars, not just management history. Originality/value – The paper provides further evidence of the import that needs to be attached to sound historical method as a basis for scholarship in management in general, and management history, in particular.