Motivational Theories - Taylor and Scientific Management 1.4.4

Scientific Management - A motivational theory developed by Frederick Taylor to try and increase the productivity in businesses, specifically factories.

 ADVANTAGES OF SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

• Avoids inaccuracy in production of products
• Better planning and decision making
• Enhances teamwork - cooperation between managers and workers
• Maximises productivity
• Improved democracy in the workplace
• Increased opportunities for workers to acquire further training

DISADVANTAGES OF SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

• Not suitable for big firms, only small organisations
• Managerial decisions may involve severe stress for managers due to need for complete control over the work place
• Feelings of pressure among employees mainly influenced by piece rate as if they don't make enough of their product, they wont get enough money to live on.
• May demotivate employees due to repetition of task with no flexibility
• In order to meet productivity requirements, quality may suffer
• As productivity increased, fewer people were need to do the work therefore job security was unsure

Key summary for Taylor:

• Workers given one repetitive task so they can learn to master it
• Managers should give orders and closely control workers
• Workers should be paid per item they produced – piece rate