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 Lillian Moller Gilbreth was an inventor, engineer, and industrial psychologist who was known as the "mother of modern management" for her work with her husband, Frank Bunker Gilbreth, on pioneering industrial management techniques. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, she earned a B.A. in 1900 and a M.A. in 1902. In graduating with honors, Lillian Moller Gilbreth became the first woman to give the commencement speech in the school's history. Later, she became one of the first "superwomen" to manage both family and career.
Lillian Moller Gilbreth was a mother of twelve. Two of her children, Frank Jr. and Ernestine (Carey), co-wrote the 1946 novel Cheaper by the Dozen and its 1952 sequel, Belles on Their Toes. Both books, which were later developed into screen plays, took a humorous look at life inside the Gilbreth household. Like her husband, Lillian Moller Gilbreth was passionate about finding efficient and productive ways to perform every task – from washing dishes to brushing teeth. Together, the Gilbreths outlined their management style in several books, including Motion Study and A Primer in Scientific Management. Sadly, none of these studies listed Lillian as co-author since their publicist believed a book's credibility would suffer if readers knew a woman was involved.
In addition to her responsibilities as an author and mother, Lillian Moller Gilbreth worked as an inventor, industrial engineer, and industrial psychologist. After the death of her husband in 1924, she continued to balance the demands of her family against those of the family business. Gilbreth, Inc., a consulting firm, focused on helping companies reach their goals while improving worker efficiency and reducing fatigue. Importantly Lillian Moller Gilbreth also helped teach managers about the psychological importance of work.
Lillian Gilbreth made significant contribution to General Electric and other leading companies by helping to improve the designs of many kitchen appliances, including the electric food-mixer and a trash can with a foot-pedal lid-opener. She also taught courses to train mangers, first from her home and later at colleges and universities. Eventually, Lillian Moller Gilbreth became a full professor at Purdue University, where she taught students how to apply her management techniques to a variety of human needs.
Lillian Moller Gilbreth was the first woman to be voted into the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the first female member of the Society of Industrial Engineers. She also received numerous awards and honorary degrees throughout her career, and was the first woman to receive the Hoover Medal for distinguished public service by an engineer. Even before her death at the age of 92, Lillian Moller Gilbreth was considered to be one of the greatest women engineers. In 1984, her life as a professional and mother was honored on a US postage stamp.
References:
http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/gilbreth2.html
http://www.sdsc.edu/ScienceWomen/gilbreth.html
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blGilbreth.htm
http://www.westga.edu/~bquest/2001/women.htm
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Re: Lillian Moller Gilbreth (May 24, 1878 – January 2, 1972)
