Final answer:
The Gilbreths conducted time and motion studies to improve worker efficiency by minimizing unnecessary movements and integrating ergonomics.
Their methods extended beyond industry to domestic settings, resulting in practical innovations and Lillian Gilbreth's seminal work on modern management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gilbreths tested their theories on movement and motion studies by conducting time and motion studies. Lillian Gilbreth and her husband, Frank, aimed to make workers more efficient by reducing the unnecessary motions required to perform a task.
They applied these methods not only to industry but also to domestic environments, fostering advancements in home, office, and shop management.
They studied employee fatigue, time management, stress, and motivation, leading to innovations such as shelves in refrigerator doors and foot pedals for trash cans.
Lillian Gilbreth's work culminated in her book, The Psychology of Management: The Function of the Mind in Determining, Teaching, and Installing Methods of Least Waste, underscoring her title as the mother of modern management.
Integrating both ergonomics and human factors psychology, the Gilbreths' research helped improve the fit between technology and human operators, enhancing productivity and job satisfaction.
Lillian's groundbreaking contributions were recognized by prestigious societies, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers.