Scientific management, or Taylorism, is a management theory with a number of strengths and weaknesses, which are detailed below. The idea of scientific management focuses on creating structures and flows in a business, in such a way that tasks are carried out with maximum effectiveness. It involves a large element of decision mathematics, as tasks must be organized in such a way so that a higher level of efficiency isn't possible. Scientific management is a popular management theory, and is partially utilized by a wide range of businesses on both a small and a large scale.
The main advantage of scientific management is that in theory, efficiency is totally maximized. The smallest amount of time possible is wasted in day to day proceedings, and as a whole this raises productivity in the workplace. Higher levels of productivity lead to the business becoming more successful, which in turn leads to increased salaries for workers. Employees are then incentivized to work even harder in order to achieve more bonuses (there is a multiplier effect). Human capital in the company rises and standards of achievement continue to increase. In addition, scientific management provides staff members with a structured plan to follow, which minimizes confusion.
Although scientific management is perfectly sound in theory, it is not always so useful in reality. This is because its effectiveness relies completely on planning. In the everyday world, things don't always go according to plan: People call in sick; the weather slows proceedings; business partners don't get back to you on time. Scientific management can't function with these constant changes, and models based on the theory tend to quickly fall apart.
- Advantages
The main advantage of scientific management is that in theory, efficiency is totally maximized. The smallest amount of time possible is wasted in day to day proceedings, and as a whole this raises productivity in the workplace. Higher levels of productivity lead to the business becoming more successful, which in turn leads to increased salaries for workers. Employees are then incentivized to work even harder in order to achieve more bonuses (there is a multiplier effect). Human capital in the company rises and standards of achievement continue to increase. In addition, scientific management provides staff members with a structured plan to follow, which minimizes confusion.
- Disadvantages
Although scientific management is perfectly sound in theory, it is not always so useful in reality. This is because its effectiveness relies completely on planning. In the everyday world, things don't always go according to plan: People call in sick; the weather slows proceedings; business partners don't get back to you on time. Scientific management can't function with these constant changes, and models based on the theory tend to quickly fall apart.