Discuss the principles and characteristics of Scientific Management.

 Principles and characteristics of Scientific Management:

Principles of Scientific Management:

Taylor, while laying the foundation of the Scientific Theory of Management, believed that the principles of management of an organisation should be based on fixed laws and Scientific Theory in an organisation focused on studying the relationship between the physical nature and the physiological nature of a worker. Scientific Approach focused on lowest level of organisation (Shop Floor). In his view, there existed ‘one best way” of doing and designing the tasks. So the Theory focused on empirical analyses of various processes and at the same time worked to ensure results with efficiency and effectiveness. Taylor believed that in order to move towards effectiveness, there was a need to develop technical competence, rationalisation and specialization in the working of an organisation.

As Taylor carried on with his study of organisation and its management, he observed that there was a tendency on the part of workers to neglect work and restrict the output. This he called “soldiering”. He referred to this phenomenon on the part of workers to reduce the output when they are paid the same amount even on giving large outputs. Taylor classified soldiering into two types, natural soldiering and systematic soldiering, where the former referred to a habit of workers to take it easy, not being over- ambitious and the latter referred to social and organizational factors, which led to restricting of the output by workers.

Characteristics of Scientific Management

While giving the characteristics of Scientific Management, Taylor devised certain techniques (methods) of Scientific Management. These techniques are applications, which could help an organisation to move towards the Scientific Principles. These are:

i) Functional Foremanship: Taylor's notion of Functional Foremanship advocated that each worker be supervised and guided by cight functional foremen (i.e. specialised supervisor). Under the idea of Functional Foremanship, Taylor observed that there was a need to have planners and planning unit. He rejected the idea of single foremanship ie., Unity of Command under which the workers would receive orders from only one superior. So, when he gave the idea of eight foremen, he classified them as: (i) Order-of-Work and Route Clerk, (ii) Instruction- Card- Clerk, (iii) Time - and - Cost- Clerk; and (iv) Shop Disciplinarian. These functionaries worked with the workers. The other functionaries were responsible for execution and supervision at the shop floor. They were classified as : (i) Gang Boss, (ii) Speed Boss, (ii) Repair Boss, and (iv) Inspector.

ii) Motion Study: This was a technique devised towards standardisation of methods. This involved observation of all motions (processes) in a particular job and through this to determine the best set of motion.

iii) Time Study: This technique was devised to determine standard time for completion of work through time and motion studies. It facilitated planning of daily tasks.

iv) Differential Piece Rate System: Having devised the time and motion studies, Taylor worked towards devising the methods of payment with these parameters. He suggested payment to workers by piece- meal, on the bases of standards set by the time and motion study.

v) Exceptional Principle: Under this Principle, Taylor stated that as standards have been set for work and rewards for achieving targets; the managers had to encourage exceptional work and not just focus on standard performance.

vi) Other Methods:

In addition to above techniques, Taylor focused on the following techniques to serve the Principles of Scientific Management:

i) Standardisation of all tools and methods used in trade.

ii) Separate planning cell or department.

iii) Instruction card for workers.

iv) Cost saving system.

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