Early Life and Education
Lillian Evelyn Moller was born on May 24, 1878, in Oakland, California. She was the second of twelve children born to William Moller and Anne Moller. From a young age, Lillian showed a keen interest in mathematics and science, which was unusual for girls at the time.
After graduating from high school, Lillian went on to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in literature in 1900. She then pursued a master’s degree in psychology and continued her studies in industrial psychology at Columbia University.
Marriage and Family
In 1904, Lillian married Frank Bunker Gilbreth, a fellow engineer who shared her passion for efficiency and productivity. Together, they had twelve children, including Ernestine Gilbreth Carey and Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr., who would later become famous authors and pioneers in their own right.
Career as an Engineer
Lillian Moller Gilbreth is best known for her work as an industrial engineer and pioneer in the field of ergonomics. She was one of the first female engineers to earn a Ph.D. in engineering from Purdue University in 1915.
Throughout her career, Lillian focused on improving workplace efficiency and employee productivity through the application of scientific principles. She conducted groundbreaking research on motion study and time management, which revolutionized the way work was organized and performed.
Contributions to Management Theory
Lillian’s work laid the foundation for modern management theory, particularly in the areas of human factors and organizational behavior. She emphasized the importance of understanding human behavior and motivation in designing efficient work processes.
Her pioneering ideas on job design, employee training, and workplace organization have had a lasting impact on the field of management and continue to influence business practices today.
Legacy and Impact
Lillian Moller Gilbreth’s contributions to engineering and management have been widely recognized and celebrated. She was the first woman elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1965 and received numerous awards for her pioneering work.
Her legacy lives on through the Gilbreth Network, an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in engineering and management through research, education, and outreach programs.
Death and Rememberance
Lillian Moller Gilbreth passed away on January 2, 1972, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was 93 years old at the time of her death. Despite her passing, her influence continues to be felt in the fields of engineering, management, and psychology.
She is remembered as a trailblazer who broke barriers for women in STEM fields and paved the way for future generations of female engineers and managers.
Quotes by Lillian Moller Gilbreth
“The most important thing in life is not to capitalize on your gains. Any fool can do that. The really important thing is to profit from your losses. That requires intelligence; it requires humility.”
“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”
Books by Lillian Moller Gilbreth
- Applied Motion Study: A Collection of Papers on the Efficient Method to Industrial Preparedness (1917)
- The Psychology of Management: The Function of the Mind in Determining, Teaching and Installing Methods of Least Waste (1914)
Awards and Recognition
- National Academy of Engineering (1965)
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers Medal (1966)
- Purdue University Honorary Doctorate (1971)
Influence on Popular Culture
Lillian Moller Gilbreth’s life and work have been depicted in various forms of popular culture. She was portrayed by Myrna Loy in the film “Cheaper by the Dozen” (1950) based on the book written by her children Ernestine Gilbreth Carey and Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr.
Her story has inspired countless women to pursue careers in engineering, management, and other male-dominated fields.
Conclusion
Lillian Moller Gilbreth was a true pioneer in the fields of engineering and management. Her innovative ideas and groundbreaking research have had a lasting impact on how we think about work organization, efficiency, and human behavior.
She broke barriers for women in STEM fields and paved the way for future generations of female engineers and managers. Her legacy continues to inspire us to strive for excellence in our own endeavors.
