Scientific management is a theory that emphasizes the application of scientific methods to improve the efficiency and productivity of work processes. It was developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor in the early 20th century and has had a significant impact on modern management practices.
Key Facts
- Scientific management emphasizes the selection, training, and development of employees to make them more efficient.
- Work should be assigned to employees based on their physical, mental, and intellectual capabilities.
- The principles of scientific management were developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor, often referred to as the “Father of Scientific Management”.
- Taylor’s principles include developing a science for each element of work, scientifically selecting and training workers, cooperating with workers, and dividing work and responsibility.
- Taylor believed that management and workers should work together to achieve maximum prosperity for both the employer and the employee.
- The principles of scientific management aim to optimize performance, increase productivity, and improve working conditions for employees.
- Taylor’s approach was based on objective data, experiments, and standardization of procedures to determine the most efficient methods of work.
- The principles of scientific management have had a significant impact on modern management practices and continue to influence organizations today.
Principles of Scientific Management
Taylor’s principles of scientific management are as follows:
Develop a science for each element of work.
This involves gathering objective data on work, conducting experiments, and standardizing procedures to determine the most efficient methods of work.
Scientifically select and train workers.
Workers should be selected based on their physical, mental, and intellectual capabilities and then trained to perform their jobs in the most efficient manner.
Cooperate with workers.
Management and workers should work together to achieve maximum prosperity for both the employer and the employee.
Divide work and responsibility.
Work should be divided into smaller tasks, and responsibility for each task should be assigned to the most appropriate person.
Benefits of Scientific Management
The principles of scientific management aim to optimize performance, increase productivity, and improve working conditions for employees. By applying scientific methods to work processes, organizations can achieve the following benefits:
- Increased efficiency and productivity
- Improved quality of work
- Reduced costs
- Improved working conditions
- Increased job satisfaction
Conclusion
Scientific management is a valuable tool for organizations seeking to improve their efficiency and productivity. By applying Taylor’s principles, organizations can optimize work processes, reduce costs, and improve working conditions for employees.
References
- Byju’s. (n.d.). What is the guiding principle of scientific management? One best way to do a job. Retrieved from https://byjus.com/question-answer/what-is-the-guiding-principle-of-scientific-management-one-best-way-to-do-a-job/
- NanoGlobals. (2021, October 3). Frederick Taylor’s Principles of Scientific Management Theory. Retrieved from https://nanoglobals.com/glossary/scientific-management-theory-of-frederick-taylor/
- Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Scientific Management. Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-principlesofmanagement/chapter/scientific-management/
FAQs
1. What is the guiding principle of scientific management?
The guiding principle of scientific management is to apply scientific methods to improve the efficiency and productivity of work processes.
2. Who developed the principles of scientific management?
Frederick Winslow Taylor developed the principles of scientific management in the early 20th century.
3. What are the four principles of scientific management?
The four principles of scientific management are:
- Develop a science for each element of work.
- Scientifically select and train workers.
- Cooperate with workers.
- Divide work and responsibility.
4. What are the benefits of scientific management?
The benefits of scientific management include increased efficiency and productivity, improved quality of work, reduced costs, improved working conditions, and increased job satisfaction.
5. How does scientific management improve efficiency and productivity?
Scientific management improves efficiency and productivity by applying scientific methods to work processes, such as gathering objective data, conducting experiments, and standardizing procedures.
6. How does scientific management improve the quality of work?
Scientific management improves the quality of work by selecting workers based on their skills and abilities and then training them to perform their jobs in the most efficient manner.
7. How does scientific management reduce costs?
Scientific management reduces costs by eliminating waste and inefficiency in work processes.
8. How does scientific management improve working conditions?
Scientific management improves working conditions by reducing the physical and mental demands of work and by providing workers with the tools and resources they need to be successful.