Principles of Scientific Management

 

Principles of Scientific Management is given by Fredrick Winslow Taylor who is also known

as the father of scientific management. He gave some theories based on the scientific

method, which can be implemented in management. These rules are basically effective at

the operation level.

5 Principles of Scientific Management

Science, not the Rule of Thumb

This is the first Principles of Scientific Management which lays focus on increasing the

efficiency of the organization through the scientific method, not by the Rule of Thumb.

Taylor believed that every work can be planned scientifically. He told that even small acts

can be done through the scientific method. This will save time and done through fewer

people.

All decisions in an organization should be taken after analysis through the scientific

thod. Decisions taken by managers himself in a haphazard way are not fruitful for the

organization. If the decisions taken by trial and error method lead to a wastage of time.

So the best way to perform a job is by applying scientific methods. Layman uses the Rule

Thumb which is unscientific.

The work assigned to employees should be given the privilege to study and analyze the

methods based on scientific analysis and let him decide the best way to complete that

This will lead to more output.

Harmony, Not Discord

The second Principles of Scientific Management is that there should be harmony and a

good relationship between workers and management. The management should not

behave like a dictator which results in an unnecessary conflict which is not good for the

organization. The work progress is hindered and ultimately there is less output.

Management and workers have important roles in the organization and so both should

realize the importance of each other. Every worker is important for the organization as

every worker is assigned different work. The attitude of management should change and

don't take workers for granted. Management believes that whatever work is assigned, it

should be completed without listening to anything from that worker, which may be related

to work also.

These attitudes are not good for the working environment. The prosperity of the

organization cannot exist for a long time if their workers are not prosperous. It is vice

versa. The organization should distribute the profit earned through bonuses and

increments.

If management thinks for their staff then workers also cooperate and work hard for

achieving the goal. Mutual trust is very important and then understanding is possible

between workers and management. Then a harmonious environment is created and then

workers focus on their work.

The management makes the workers feel that they are important and part of the family.

This shows that management is concerned about their workers and their mood is uplifted.

There should be a scope of discussion between workers and management at all levels.

These will lead to harmony and workers will not go on strike or suspend work.

Mental Revolution

This is the third Principles of Scientific Management. It tells us that this technique is about

the change in the attitude of workers and management. You have to change the thought

process. Think positively about each other. If both of them give regard and cooperate with

each other then it will help the organization in achieving goals.

The bent of mind should be towards the organization's goal. The mental revolution is

about the change of attitude. There should be feeling of togetherness. If the management

neglects the grievances of workers and thinks that they are saving the organisation

money rather doing bad for the organisation.The workers are working half halfheartedly

and so output is less.

Management should not be narrow-minded rather should develop a broad outlook. This

spirit will lead to a positive atmosphere and workers will have mental peace, which is

necessary for the organization. The mental revolution will lead to maximum participation

in the work.

Cooperation, not Individualism

This is the fourth Principles of Management. It lays stress of cooperation of workers and

management. There should be trust and goodwill among management and workers.There

should not be talk of any one individual rather it should be a group, having unity and

cooperation among them.

Workers should be given the opportunity to give their opinion and play important role in

decision making. They should be considered part of management and allowed to take part

in the decision-making process. Management should listen to their suggestion and

implement it if it is in the interest of the organization.

Workers should also follow the policy made after their consensus. Decision should be taken

after the consultation with workers. Management should guide and motivate the workers.

Development of every person to his greatest efficiency

This is the fifth Principle of Scientific Management. It advocates that the skills and

capabilities of workers lead to the success of the organization. The qualification,

knowledge, training, of the workers, help in working with a scientific approach. The

selection of the right employees in the recruitment process is important. A skilled worker

is an asset to an organization.

Workers should also follow the policy made after their consensus. Decision should be taken

after the consultation with workers. Management should guide and motivate the workers.

Development of every person to his greatest efficiency

This is the fifth Principle of Scientific Management. It advocates that the skills and

capabilities of workers lead to the success of the organization. The qualification,

knowledge, training, of the workers, help in working with a scientific approach. The

selection of the right employees in the recruitment process is important. A skilled worker

is an asset to an organization.

Every worker should give their maximum effort and will help the organisation.The

increased efficiency of workers lead to success of the organisation. Workers should develop

skills and update their knowledge, which will lead to their efficiency.