The correct answer is pre-modern
In premodern societies work was not the central element guiding social relations. There were other, more important factors defined by heredity, religion, honor, loyalty, or social standing, which were not defined by office in economic production.
On the contrary, the economic field and the work were devalued, considered something painful, torturing or punishment.
In these societies the work is related to obtaining only what is necessary to keep the system running, so there is no notion of profit and no concern with optimizing production techniques.