Creating the "American Way" of Business: Evidence from WWII in the United States.

The article explores the role of managerial technology in shaping US production during World War II (WWII) and its impact on firm productivity. It argues that the adoption of innovative management practices during the war not only contributed to the US victory but also laid the foundation for the "American Way" of business, which was later spread to other countries. The article discusses the challenges in measuring managerial technology and highlights the Training Within the Industry (TWI) Program, which improved firm outcomes by instructing managers instead of training workers. The Engineering, Science, and Management War Training (ESMWT) program, launched by the US government during WWII, provided free education to engineers, scientists, and managers and had a significant impact on both enrolled managers and their firms. The program's influence extended beyond the war, contributing to the development of the Lean Manufacturing System. Further research is needed to explore the connections between WWII managerial innovation, scientific and technological advancements, and the relationship between firm managerial and scientific capital. [Extracted from the article]