Principles of Scientific Management

F.W. Taylor’s scientific management is based on the following four principles:

1. Science, not Rule of Thumb

Taylor focused on the scientific study and analysis of each and every element of a work to replace the old rule of thumb method or hit and trial method. Rule of thumb is not based on science or exact measurement. Scientific method is based on cause and effect, whereas rule of thumb was based solely on the discretion of managerial decisions. Taylor focused that managers should scientifically analyze each and every component of work. According to him, even a small work, like loading of iron pigs into boxcars can be scientifically done. Doing a work scientifically reduces wastage of time and resources and helps to achieve the target effectively and efficiently.

2. Harmony, Not Discord

Taylor recognized the class conflict that existed between the workers and managers. He emphasized that there should be no conflict between the workers and managers. Both of them should realize the importance of each other and should work together for organizational goals. In order to achieve this harmonious relation, he focused on ‘Mental Revolution’, which means that workers and managers should transform their thinking. In such a situation, management aims at providing better working environment for the employees, and sharing the gains of the company, etc., and workers should avoid going on strikes and work hard to the best of their ability. This principle is clearly visible in the case of Japanese work culture. There is complete openness between the workers and management. If workers are not satisfied with the management, they wear a black badge and work for more than the normal working hours.

3. Cooperation, Not Individualism

According to this, there should be cooperation between management and workers instead of individualism. This principle is an extension of Principle ‘Harmony, Not Discord‘. Both management and workers should realize that they need each other. There should be cooperation between them, and competition should be replaced by cooperation. For achieving this principle, management should welcome the constructive ideas and suggestions of the workers. The workers should be praised and rewarded for the suggestions given if their suggestions were helpful. Workers should be taken into consideration while taking important decisions. On the other hand, workers should avoid unreasonable demands and strikes and should work effectively and efficiently to achieve organizational goals.

4. Development of Workers to their Greatest Efficiency and Prosperity

Taylor focused on the efficiency of workers. According to him, every organization should follow the scientific method of selection of workers, and each worker should be scientifically selected. Then they should be assigned work according to their mental, physical and intellectual capabilities. To increase efficiency, training should be provided. This increase in efficiency will be beneficial for both workers and management.