Scientific Management and Human Relations School of Management
Scientific management theory and the human relations school theory are both theories developed in the 20th century as a means of increasing proficiency and effectiveness as well as profits and outputs in organisations. While the two theories have two different approaches to reaching organisational goals, both theories to an extent aim towards similar goals.
Scientific Management was developed by Frederick Taylor as a means of replacing old ‘rule of thumb’ methods with scientific methods for best and rational design of optimising any task which would lead to enhanced productivity and profitability. Scientific management (also called Taylorism) concerns four primary principles of: developing scientific methods, thoughtful selection of labour, education and development of labour, and, specialisation and collaboration between managers and labour. Utilising scientific management methods means that every step of production is calculated using motion and output with human movement. When every step of production is premeditated and accounted for – this leads to standardisation of work practices and, tools, equipment and materials, as well as enhanced use of resources and reduced wastage. On the human side, work is broken down into smaller parts or segments that are easier to manage as workers skills at the workplace become highly specialised. Detailed instructions and even training is provided to workers reducing the amount of time wasted and enhancing quality of work. Prior to scientific management workers would work as best they could using the best tools they had. Also departments such as planning and design, personnel, maintenance and quality control did not exist. Scientific management streamlined and standardised industrial production, created harmonious and organised workplaces, increased effectiveness and productivity, and increased customer satisfaction through reduced costs and quality(2). Today in the 21st century scientific management method is fully utilised
Scientific Management was developed by Frederick Taylor as a means of replacing old ‘rule of thumb’ methods with scientific methods for best and rational design of optimising any task which would lead to enhanced productivity and profitability. Scientific management (also called Taylorism) concerns four primary principles of: developing scientific methods, thoughtful selection of labour, education and development of labour, and, specialisation and collaboration between managers and labour. Utilising scientific management methods means that every step of production is calculated using motion and output with human movement. When every step of production is premeditated and accounted for – this leads to standardisation of work practices and, tools, equipment and materials, as well as enhanced use of resources and reduced wastage. On the human side, work is broken down into smaller parts or segments that are easier to manage as workers skills at the workplace become highly specialised. Detailed instructions and even training is provided to workers reducing the amount of time wasted and enhancing quality of work. Prior to scientific management workers would work as best they could using the best tools they had. Also departments such as planning and design, personnel, maintenance and quality control did not exist. Scientific management streamlined and standardised industrial production, created harmonious and organised workplaces, increased effectiveness and productivity, and increased customer satisfaction through reduced costs and quality(2). Today in the 21st century scientific management method is fully utilised
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