FROM A BUSINESS OBJECT TO ITS MANAGEMENT HISTORY: WHEN THE UNITED AIRLINES WELCOME BOOKLET DESCRIBES STAFF SUGGESTION PROCEDURES

Abstract

Historical research has paid little attention to the systems put in place by American companies to solicit suggestions. In 1880, Scottish shipbuilder William Denny introduced an employee suggestion scheme to improve shipbuilding. The Eastman Kodak Company introduced a similar system in 1896 to strengthen ties between senior management and supervisors, but also to give workers a means of expressing requests as well as constructive ideas...