Scientific Management
Frederick W. Taylor
Introduction – Frederick W. Taylor was not only recognized but also criticized over his theory of Scientific Management and its validity. My primary source “ The ideas of Frederick W. Taylor: An evaluation” outlines both sides. Taylor’s main aim was to eradicate the inefficiencies found in the workplace, improving the relationship between labour and management through three main principles being standardization, task allocation and money bonus. His main theory was that management should be based on proven fact not tradition (Locke, 1982). The science behind it being that one can’t manage what one can’t measure. (Darmody, 2007)
With the use of other readings I have been able to identify the most common criticisms regarding Taylors theory and whether the have merit. By applying Taylor’s theory to a contemporary example, Subway, I can distinguish the validity of it and outline how it reflects within the organization and how it benefits the employee- employer relationship
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Topic Sentence:
Standardization is Taylor’s first main principle within his theory of scientific management; a principle that is in fact is hard to dispute its validity.
* In The primary source it highlights this and states how it’s become widely accepted in contemporary organizations and how it applies to all aspects (Locke, 1982) * Standardisation improved employee – employer relationships. (Taneja, Pryor & Toombs, 2011). * Example of Taylor’s principle of standardisation can be seen in the global organisation Subway. (Subway)
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Topic Sentence:
Another Key principle to Taylor’s theory is Task Allocation. This promotes time efficiency as when a worker is trained in a specific task or job, they have the skills and knowledge to be the most productive.
* Primary Source outlines this. But also show perspective on the criticism this principle was subjected to. (Lock, 1982) * To support task allocation the reading states that an employee suited to the job will thrive and become happier over time. (Freeman, 1996) * When employees have specific goals and task set in front of them they have motivation, making performance results better (Taneja, Pryor & Toombs, 2011) * Educating and training employees to better them. This is in the interest of both the employee and employer. (Locke, 1982). * Subway has standardized procedures when it comes to training their employees. (Subway)
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Topic Sentence:
When an employee is given incentive, work will be done more efficiently was Taylor’s last theory of Money bonus’s basis. If an employee has something they want to work for, the more inclined they are to reach the prospective outcome the employer wants.
* Taylor claimed money was what workers wanted most. He insinuated that once an incentive was given efficiency would rise. (Locke, 1982) * It was argued that pay increases should match productivity increases (Locke, 1982). * When a worker does a task right and within a certain time frame he receives a 70% increase in his wage. (Freeman, 1996) * Criticism - As shown in my reading, many organizations implement strict work conditions and time limits but never gave incentive. (Freeman, 1996). * Subway provides many incentives to employees such as promotions and safe work environment. (Subway)
Conclusion
Taylor’s theory is valid and still implemented and incorporated within contemporary organizations with only slight alteration it still being recognizable. These three principles are shown very clearly and are all valid principle to some extent in contemporary organization today as seen through Subways clear and precise procedures, which are apparent globally with little change.
Reference List:
Darmody, P. (2007). Henry L. Gantt and Frederick Taylor: Pioneers of Scientific Management. AACE International Transactions, PS. 151 – 153. Retrieved on March 22, 2014.
Freeman, M. (1996). Scientific management: 100 Years old; poised for the next century. S.A.M Advanced Management Journal, 61 (2) 35. Retrieved 22 March 2014 from ABI/INFORM Complete. (Document ID: 231135998).
Locke, E. A. (1982). The ideas of Frederick W. Taylor: an evaluation. The Academy of Management Review, 7 (1), pp. 14-24.
Subway. Retrieved from http://www.subway.com.au/, date assessed 25/03/2013
Taneja, S., Pryor, M., Toombs, L. (2011). Frederick W. Taylor’s Scientific Management Principles: Relevance and Validity. Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship, 16(3), 60-78. Retrieved 22 March 2014, from ABI/INFORM Complete. (Document ID: 889143979) 