Analysis of the Theoretical Concepts of Scientific Management Assignment

Analysis of the Theoretical Concepts of Scientific Management - Assignment Example Scientific Management came to be known after the work of Frederick Winslow Taylor (1911), an engineer by profession. In his book The Principles of Scientific Management, he proposed the fundamental model along which assembly-lines of large-scale manufacturing factories should be made. His model focuses on the standardization of work through an emphasis on division of labour, time, motion studies, work measurement and piece-rate wages (Drury, 1915). Scientific management, or Taylorism, is a management theory aimed to streamline workflow. The fundamental objectives of this theory were to harness the true potential of economic efficiency and labour productivity. Since early 1700s people have been working on formal management principles, but the most significant development in this endeavour came with the work of Frederick Winslow Taylor (1856 – 1915). He along with his associates merged the fields of science and business (work). They set out with observing workers productivity in a work setting. Taylor believed in the optimization of work rather than forcing people to work harder or extra. In his book, he proposed the simplification of work in order to enhance or improve workers’ productivity. He proposed a closer association between managers and employees whereas earlier this was least of anyone’s concerns. Managers used to keep a wide distance between their workers and themselves. Due to the lack of standardized work, workers found no real motivation towards their work (Head, 2005). Above all, job security in all cases also added to the worker's disengagement from work. Consequently, in order to raise the bar of motiva tion Taylor proposed the linking of pay with performance.