Organization of Labor, Soviet Propaganda

Published by Izdatelstvo Plakat in Moscow in the early 1980s, this Soviet industrial poster promotes the “Scientific Organization of Labor,” known by the Russian acronym NOT. The program encouraged factories to improve productivity through better organization of workers, equipment, and production methods. Images of factories, machinery, technical work, and industrial workers are paired with messages encouraging cooperation and greater efficiency. Phrases such as “Become a shock worker, help those falling behind!” continued a long Soviet tradition of celebrating workers who exceeded production standards and encouraging them to serve as examples for others. The poster appeared during the final years of Leonid Brezhnev’s leadership, when the Soviet economy was experiencing slower growth and persistent problems with industrial productivity. Rather than relying only on expanding factories and the workforce, Soviet planners increasingly emphasized efficiency, modernization, and scientific management as ways to increase output. The poster captures this period of late-Soviet economic history, when the government continued to promote ambitious industrial goals while confronting the growing limitations of the centrally planned economy. Size: 22.0" x 17.0" Condition: Very Good, Age-appropriate wear, fading and toning. Original center fold present. Small blemishes in upper border. Light border wear. Printed text on backside. Please use the photo zoom feature to get a better understanding of overall condition. *Additional photos available upon request.