Part 1

Note: Images of the original pages are available through Internet Archive. See https://archive.org/details/personalrelation00rock_0

THE PERSONAL RELATION IN INDUSTRY

JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER, JR.

Boni and Liveright Publishers New York

Copyright, 1923, by Boni and Liveright, Inc.

Printed in the United States of America

First printing, December, 1923 Second printing, January, 1924

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

The following material by Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., consists, with one exception, of addresses delivered by him on various occasions and amidst the demands of many varied interests. These addresses are left practically as they were delivered, and no effort has been made to change their form. Slight repetitions of certain points may be noted in these addresses, a condition which is expected in arguments or subjects of the character of those contained in this book.

The publishers, in obtaining Mr. Rockefeller’s permission to publish these addresses, believed that by presenting his views in this form there would be made a substantial contribution to the ever-important subject of industrial relationships.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE I. COÖPERATION IN INDUSTRY 9

II. LABOR AND CAPITAL--PARTNERS 38

III. THE PERSONAL RELATIONS IN INDUSTRY 63

IV. REPRESENTATION IN INDUSTRY 83

V. TO THE EMPLOYEES 90

VI. TO THE PEOPLE OF COLORADO 107

APPENDIX

I. REPRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEES 123

II. DISTRICT CONFERENCES, JOINT COMMITTEES AND JOINT MEETINGS 129

III. THE PREVENTION AND ADJUSTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES 136

IV. SOCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BETTERMENT 145

THE PERSONAL RELATION IN INDUSTRY

COÖPERATION IN INDUSTRY

To-day the world is passing through a period of reconstruction.

As we address ourselves to the grave problems which confront us, problems both national and international, we may look for success in their solution just in so far as we continue to be animated by the spirit of coöperation and brotherhood. The hope in the future lies in the perpetuation of this spirit, and unless increasingly it is made the foundation of the political, social, and industrial life of the world, there will not be permanent peace and good will among men, either nationally or internationally.

In no one of these spheres of human relations is the spirit of coöperation more essential than in industry, since industry touches almost every department of life. Moreover, there is no problem pressing more urgently upon the attention of the world to-day than the industrial problem, none more important, none more difficult of solution. There are pessimists who say that there is no solution short of revolution and the overturn of the existing social order.

Surely the nations which have shown themselves capable of such lofty sacrifice, which have given themselves so freely, gladly, unreservedly, during these past years of struggle, will bring to bear in the solution of this great problem powers of head and heart, not less wise and unselfish than those exhibited in dealing with the problems of the war; surely a way out of the impenetrable maze will be found.