Taylor’s Four Principles of Scientific Management

 

Frederick Winslow Taylor
 (March 20, 1856 – March 21, 1915) 

Frederick Winslow Taylor an American mechanical engineer

Who sought to improve industrial efficiency.

He is known as father of scientific management.

Taylor saw productivity as the answer to both higher wages and higher profits. He believed that the application of the scientific method, instead of customs and rule of thumb could yield this productivity without the expenditure of more human energy or effort.

Taylor published a book entitled, The principles of scientific management in 1911.

1. Science, Not Rule of Thumb

Dictatorship

 Rule of thumb means dictatorship of manager. Taylor insist that each job performed in the organisation should be based on scientific energy. There must be thinking before doing.
Taylor believed that there is only one best method to maximize efficiency this method can develop through work study. 

          Work study = Time + Method + Motion + Fatigue Study. 

2. 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.

 

For example:

·       Workers think they are under paid and are over burden with work.

·       Managers always feel workers are good for nothing.

Taylor insist there is need for both the group to change their attitude for each other.

 3. Cooperation, Not Individualism

• Extension of harmony not discord.
• Tayler insist that the target is set up in consultation of workers then they will try their best to achieve it.

4. 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.

•            Workers efficiency depends upon proper training and selection.
•           Taylor insist due care should be taken while selecting the employers and after selecting                  they must give job according their qualification.