In Measure What Matters, Doerr touches on some of the philosophical predecessors of the OKR framework, mentioning influential figures in management theory such as Frederick Winslow Taylor, Henry Ford, and Peter Drucker. Management theory is a field that explores the principles, practices, and philosophies that guide organizational leadership and decision-making. This field has undergone significant transformations over the last century. Understanding its evolution provides crucial context for appreciating contemporary approaches to organizational success, such as the OKR framework espoused by Doerr.

At the turn of the 20th century, Frederick Winslow Taylor emerged as a pioneering figure in management theory by introducing the concept of scientific management. Taylor’s philosophy emphasized efficiency and productivity through systematic analysis and optimization of work processes. He advocated for a scientific approach to tasks, breaking them down into smaller, manageable components to enhance worker efficiency. Taylor’s ideas, while instrumental in improving industrial efficiency, also sparked debates about worker exploitation and dehumanization due to the rigid application of scientific principles.

Henry Ford, a contemporary of Taylor, applied similar principles to revolutionize manufacturing. Ford’s assembly line, a hallmark of the mass production era, epitomized efficiency and cost reduction. By standardizing tasks and introducing mechanization, Ford both transformed the automotive industry and influenced broader management practices.