Taylor’s Scientific Management

Frederick Taylor believed that management was a science. He stated that there were set laws that could be applied to the study of management and thereby get the desired results. In this regard, he propounded five principles of scientific management. Let’s discuss them further.

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Taylor’s Five Principles of Scientific Management

Science, Not Rule of Thumb

Taylor strongly believed that one has to ascertain management with scientific precision rather than sticking to the decision making of the management. He incorporated this is his principles of scientific management.

For instance, in activities such as loading of raw material into the carts can also be arranged to be done in an organized scientific way rather than relying on the judgment of the manager. There should be a proper cause and effect relationship on which decisions should be made. The principle says that decisions must rest on scientific analysis rather than trial and error. The best way of doing a job must be selected and adopted.

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Harmony, Not Discord

Taylor propagated the need for harmony among the employees. In case there are any conflicts between the management and the employees, the organization will not be able to run smoothly. There ought to be a realization of mutual importance between the management and employees.

To achieve this, Taylor suggests that there should be a complete metamorphosis in the outlook and thought process of both the sides. This will ensure harmony prevails among all levels of management in the organization.

Mental Revolution

There needs to be a change in the attitude of the management and employees. The concept of mental revolution expresses that the outlook of the management and employees should change in respect of one another. They should both work with the collective aim of raising the profits of the organization. And for this, both should work in unison.

Cooperation, Not Individualism

This is an extension of the harmony principle. While the former emphasizes the need for harmony between the two, this principle takes it further and talks mutual cooperation. As a part of an organization, it is imperative that the two sides find a ground for cooperation.

A sense of individualism in terms of an organization can lead to diversion from the unified goals, ultimately affecting the growth of the entire organization. We must make attempts to remove any competition to create cooperation. This cooperation must percolate to the lowest levels. A categorical division of labour can help in enhancing cooperation and reducing competition.

Development of Every Person to his Greatest Efficiency

When you develop and train your employees, you are creating a better workforce to take your organization to better heights. To ensure that you are training the right minds, steps should be taken right from the moment of selection, recruiting people based on a scientific selection.

Solved Question for You

Question: What are the ways to attain harmony and not discord?

Answer: Harmony between workers and management is an important principle of scientific management, as it leads to a peaceful work environment. Harmony can be attained by:

• sharing of surplus with workers
• training the employees
• division of labour
• creating team spirit
• positive outlook
• sincerity
• discipline