Scientific Management 1
Scientific Management
Janelle DeCoteau
Principles of Management
Barbara Houle
March 28, 2012
Scientific Management
Frederick Winslow Taylor is a controversial figure in management history. His innovations in industrial engineering, particularly in time and motion studies, paid off in dramatic improvements in productivity. At the same time, he has been credited with destroying the soul of work, of dehumanizing factories, making men into automatons. The main elements of the Scientific Management are: "Time studies Functional or specialized supervision Standardization of tools and implements Standardization of work methods Separate Planning function Management by exception principle The use of "slide-rules and similar time-saving devices" Instruction cards for workmen Task allocation and large bonus for successful performance The use of the 'differential rate ' Mnemonic systems for classifying products and implements A routing system A modern costing system etc. etc. " Taylor called these elements "merely the elements or details of the mechanisms of management" He saw them as extensions of the four principles of management. * The development of a true science * The scientific selection of the workman * The scientific education and development of the workman * Intimate and friendly cooperation between the management and the men.
Taylor warned of the risks managers make in attempting to make change in what would presently be called, the culture, of the organization. He stated the importance of management commitment and the need for gradual implementation and education. He described "the really great problem" involved in the change "consists of the complete revolution in the mental attitude and the habits of all those engaged in the management, as well of the workmen." Taylor taught that there was one and only one method of work that maximized efficiency. "And this one best method and best implementation can only be discovered or
Janelle DeCoteau
Principles of Management
Barbara Houle
March 28, 2012
Scientific Management
Frederick Winslow Taylor is a controversial figure in management history. His innovations in industrial engineering, particularly in time and motion studies, paid off in dramatic improvements in productivity. At the same time, he has been credited with destroying the soul of work, of dehumanizing factories, making men into automatons. The main elements of the Scientific Management are: "Time studies Functional or specialized supervision Standardization of tools and implements Standardization of work methods Separate Planning function Management by exception principle The use of "slide-rules and similar time-saving devices" Instruction cards for workmen Task allocation and large bonus for successful performance The use of the 'differential rate ' Mnemonic systems for classifying products and implements A routing system A modern costing system etc. etc. " Taylor called these elements "merely the elements or details of the mechanisms of management" He saw them as extensions of the four principles of management. * The development of a true science * The scientific selection of the workman * The scientific education and development of the workman * Intimate and friendly cooperation between the management and the men.
Taylor warned of the risks managers make in attempting to make change in what would presently be called, the culture, of the organization. He stated the importance of management commitment and the need for gradual implementation and education. He described "the really great problem" involved in the change "consists of the complete revolution in the mental attitude and the habits of all those engaged in the management, as well of the workmen." Taylor taught that there was one and only one method of work that maximized efficiency. "And this one best method and best implementation can only be discovered or
Cited: Vincenzo Sandrone. "Frederick W. Taylor: Master of Scientific Management." Scientific Management, no publication date.