Scientific Management Theory

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Discuss scientific management Scientific management (also called Taylorism or the Taylor system) is a theory of management that analyzes and synthesizes workflows, improving labor productivity. The core ideas of the theory were developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor in the 1880s and 1890s. Scientific management believes that decisions based upon tradition and rules of thumb should be replaced by precise procedures developed after careful study of an individual at work. Its application is contingent on a high level of managerial control over employee work practices. In its simplest form the theory is the belief that there is “one best way” to do a job and scientific methods can be used to determine that “one best way”. Taylor developed his theory through observations and experience as a mechanical engineer. He noticed that the environment lacked work standards, bred inefficient workers and jobs were allocated to people without matching the job to the worker’s skill and ability. In addition to this the relationship of the workers with the managers included many confrontations. He then came up with the one “best way “to do each of the jobs on the shop floor. The conclusion that prosperity and harmony for both workers and managers could be achieved by following the 4 guidelines was reached: Science not the rule of thumb Develop a science for each element of an individual’s work, which will replace the old rule of thumb method. Scientifically select and then train, teach and develop the worker. In this aspect a science is developed for each element of a man’s work which replaces the old rule of thumb method. The development of a science involves the establishment of many rules laws and formulae which replace the judgment of the individual workman/ employee which can be effectively used only after having been statistically recorded, indexed etc. this is also known as

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