What are the major elements of Taylor's Scientific Management?

Business & Management
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#1

Taylor Advocated the following elements of scientific management. :

  1. Work Study,
  2. Standardisation of Tools and Equipment,
  3. Scientific Selection, Placement and Training,
  4. Development of Functional Foremanship,
  5. Introducing Costing System,
  6. Mental Revolution.

1. Work Study:

According to International Labour Office “Work study is a term used to embrace the techniques of method study and work measurement which are employed to ensure the best possible use of human and material resources in carrying out specified activity.

2. Standardisation of Tools and Equipment:

Standardisation of tools and equipment was an important element of scientific management. Taylor wanted to use only ‘the best way of doing the work. Proper tools and equipment are essential for increasing the efficiency and speed of work.

3. Scientific Selection, Placement and Training:

The efficiency and quality of work is linked to the kind of persons selected for taking up different jobs. Taylor wanted a radical change in the methods and procedures of selecting workers. Workers should be selected by considering their education, experience and attitude towards work.

4. Development of Functional Foremanship:

Taylor pleaded the concept of functional foremanship. He felt that workers and factory executives should be freed from the burden of planning and designing. Functional foremanship is the extension of the principle of specialisation or division of labour to the sphere of management.

According to Taylor the two functions of planning and doing should be separated. The planning section should concentrate on planning the task and issuing instructions to the workers for implementing them. Taylor suggested eight functional specialists, the first four attached with planning work and the next four with actual implementation or execution of the plan.

5. Introducing Costing System:

Another important element of scientific management is the introduction of efficient system of cost accounting. It is a technique used to calculate cost per unit and total cost of production.

6. Mental Revolution:

Simply stated mental revolution is concerned with bringing basic change in the mental attitude of workers and the management towards each other. Scientific approach means radical changes in the approach to solve problems regarding work and managerial control.