Software Craftsmanship: The New Imperative

Chapter 9. Managing Craftsmen

Managing software craftsmen is completely different from managing software engineers. The neo-Taylorism model^[61] that is used as the default management style in the Western world assumes that the knowledge of the “one best way” to do a task lies with the managers. The hired hands are just there to do what their managers tell them to do.

Although this “scientific management” may have worked for shoveling coal back in Taylor's day, it has not proved very effective in modern manufacturing industry. Sometimes the hired hands get their revenge on the system by following orders to the letter. Few managers are filled with joy when they hear that there is going to be a “work to rule.” Chaos always ensures.

Sometimes workers ...