Taylor’s Principles of Scientific Management:
- Develop a science for each task to replace the old ‘rule-of-thumb’ method, determining the ‘one best way’ and standard output.
- Scientifically select, train, and develop workers, replacing self-selection and self-training.
- The bringing together the ‘science of work’ and ‘the scientifically selected and trained workers’ for best results: This process causes the mental revolution in management and workers.
- Equal division of work and responsibility between management and workers, with management taking on tasks they are better suited for.
- Taylor’s mental revolution in scientific management necessitates a complete change in the mindset of both workers and management towards their duties, work, fellow workers and daily problems.
- It underlines the understanding that mutual interests are not antagonistic, and mutual prosperity can be achieved only through cooperation.
- Both parties are urged to concentrate on increasing the surplus rather than quarrelling over its distribution until it becomes large enough to negate division concerns.
- According to Taylor, scientific management cannot exist without this profound mental revolution on both sides.
Henri Fayol is regarded as the father of Classical theory. Fayol’s Fourteen Principles of Management:
- 1) Division of work: Specialization boosts productivity.
- 2) Authority and responsibility: must match.
- 3) Discipline: Employees should obey orders under good leadership.
- 4) Unity of command: Each employee should receive orders from one superior to avoid confusion.
- 5) Unity of direction: one head and one plan for a group of activities having the same objectives.
- 6) Subordination of individual interest: Organizational goals take precedence over individual interests.
- 7) Fair remuneration: Monetary (Bonus etc) + Non Monetary (Compliment, credit etc).
- 8) Centralization or decentralization: Depends on business conditions and staff quality.
- 9) Scalar chain: clear line of authority ensures unity of direction.
- 10) Order: Material and social order are crucial for efficiency.
- 11) Equity: Fair treatment for all employees.
- 12) Stability of tenure: Employee stability is vital for success.
- 13) Initiative: Allowing personnel to show initiative.
- 14) Esprit De Corps: Fostering team spirit boosts morale.
These principles are flexible guidelines for managers, requiring adaptability to varying circumstances. The process of applying them would be more of an art than a science.
