Lesson 1 of 0
In Progress
2.1.1 Taylor’s view point
- Frederick Taylor who is considered the father of scientific management believed that by using scientific methods to study work processes, it was possible to identify the most efficient ways to perform them. This would lead to an increase in productivity and efficiency, and ultimately, to increased profits for the organization. Taylor’s main ideas can be summarized as follows:
- The separation of planning and execution of work: Managers should be responsible for planning and organizing work, while workers should be responsible for executing the work.
- The use of time and motion studies: He advocated the use of time and motion studies to analyze work processes and identify inefficiencies. He believed that by analyzing how workers performed tasks, it was possible to identify the most efficient ways to do them.
- The use of incentives: By offering incentives to workers who met or exceeded production goals, it would increase their motivation to work harder and be more productive.
- The use of specialized tools and equipment: Taylor believed that by providing workers with specialized tools and equipment, it would increase their efficiency and productivity.
- The use of a hierarchical structure: Where managers were responsible for planning and organizing work and workers were responsible for executing the work, would lead to a more efficient use of resources.
Some criticisms of Taylor’s scientific management theory include: Lack of consideration for worker autonomy, Limited applicability, Over-simplification, Alienation of workers and Loss of creativity