Taylor's science management theory (1903)
(i) basic perspectives
Direct material waste can be seen and felt, but it is neither visible nor felt because people are unskilled, inefficient or misdirected. “the lack of attention to efficiency in all daily activities is causing enormous losses to the resources of the nation as a whole, as pointed out by taylor, “the remedy for this failure lies not in the search for some remarkable or extraordinary people, but in the management of science”
Frederick w. Taylor, 1856-1915), american classical manager, founder of the science management school. From an apprentice, taylor grew up step by step and was promoted to the post of workshop manager, technician, team leader, chief engineer, chief maintenance officer, chief design officer and, finally, chief engineer. Throughout his management career, taylor has been experimenting with the factory on the ground, systematically studying and analysing the time taken by workers to operate their methods and actions and gradually developing their management system — scientific management。
The principal books of taylor include science management principles (1911) and science management (1912). The science management theory elaborated in both books has led to the recognition that management is a science that applies to human activities, from the simplest of individual acts to the operations of large companies。
The underlying purpose of taylor's scientific management is to seek maximum efficiency, and an important means of achieving maximum efficiency is to replace empirical management with scientific and standard management methods。
In summary, taylor's basic management philosophy is as follows:
Scientific methods of operation are proposed for workers in order to make efficient use of working hours and improve their effectiveness. To study the rationality of workers ' movements, remove redundant ones, improve the necessary ones and set a standard time frame for the completion of each operation and establish a working time quota。
Scientific selection and training of workers. Selection of suitable workers for each position and training of workers in the use of standard operating methods to enable them to develop gradually at work。
Scientific procedures are developed to standardize tools, machines, materials and the operating environment, and documents are used。
An incentive-based piece-work pay system is in place. Workers who have completed and exceeded the work quota are paid at a higher rate of pay per piece, and workers who have not completed the quota are paid at a lower rate。
Management and labour separation. Management exists as an independent function, in which managers and workers work closely together to ensure that work is carried out according to standard design procedures。
Many believed that the fundamental interests of employers and employees were opposed to taylor's views, and he believed that the interests of both parties were identical. In 1912, taylor emphasized in his testimony at the united states house special committee hearing that scientific management was a major spiritual change, that everyone needed to build a sense of responsibility for their work and for their colleagues; and that everyone needed a strong commitment and commitment. This has shifted the attention of both employers and employees from profit distribution to increasing the amount of profits. When the two sides cooperate amicably and help each other in lieu of confrontation and struggle, through joint efforts, they can produce larger profits than in the past, thus increasing the wages of employees, obtaining higher satisfaction, increasing the profits of employers and expanding the enterprise。
(ii) commentary
Taylor's scientific management has two main contributions: management to science; and a spiritual revolution for both parties. The former is a necessary condition for effective management, while the latter is a necessary psychology for effective management。
Of course, since taylor's scientific management has historical limitations, such as an over-emphasis on technology, an emphasis on individual operational efficiency, biased perceptions of people and neglect of the corporate function, it is not all-powerful, but impossible without it。
Scientific management theory remains important to guide our contemporary business. How to improve the management of our enterprises and how to establish a scientifically efficient management system within them is an important agenda for our enterprises. Many of the ideas and practices of science management are still being used in many countries. There have been arguments for efficiency in management, and taylor's scientific management has proven that good management is effective. The level of management of many of our enterprises is still low, and the subject of scientific management must be completed。
