Question

What is scientific management? Explain the principles of scientific management in details.

Answer 1

Scientific management:

• It is the theory of management that analyses and synthesizes workflows. It is also called Taylorism after its founder Frederick Winslow Taylor.

Principles:

• The first principle states we should not get forced into a routine of doing works with old techniques. Rather we should be experiencing new methods every day in order to make the work go simpler and quicker.  
• The second states that organisation should create such an atmosphere which considers labour and management as indispensable.  
• The third one states that the manager and workers should determine standards jointly. Thereby increasing involvement and responsibility one organisation can work more efficiently and produce miraculous results.

Answer 2

Answer:

Scientific management is the application of science for each and every element of management.

The principles of scientific management are:

1. Science, not the Rule of Thumb

This rule focuses on increasing the efficiency of an organisation through scientific analysis of work and not with the ‘Rule of Thumb’ method. Taylor believed that even a small activity like loading paper sheets into boxcars can be planned scientifically. This will save time and also human energy. This decision should be based on scientific analysis and cause and effect relationships rather than ‘Rule of Thumb’ where the decision is taken according to the manager’s personal judgement.

2. Harmony, Not Discord

Taylor indicated and believed that the relationship between the workers and management should be cordial and complete harmony. Difference between the two will never be beneficial to either side. Management and workers should acknowledge and understand each other’s importance. Taylor also suggested the mental revolution for both management and workers to achieve total harmony.

3. Mental Revolution

This technique involves a shift of attitude of management and workers towards each other. Both should understand the value of each other and work with full participation and cooperation. The aim of both should be to improve and boost the profits of the organisation. Mental Revolution demands a complete change in the outlook of both the workers and management; both should have a sense of togetherness.

4. Cooperation, not Individualism

It is similar to ‘Harmony, not discord’ and believes in mutual collaboration between workers and the management. Managers and workers should have mutual cooperation & confidence and a sense of goodwill. The main purpose is to substitute internal competition with cooperation.