According to Taylor any set of tasks performed on the work floor can be designed in the most optimal way by the use of scientific management. Detailed observation, selection and training are part of this approach, and time is a crucial element. He proposes ‘four great principles of management’:1. Developing a science of work
2. Scientifically selecting and training the employee
3. Combining the sciences of work and selecting and training of employees
4. Management and workers must specialize and collaborate closely.
According to these four principles one should study every job to see how it can best be performed and then the right people should be found for the job. By working hard these people would be able to earn higher wages. The managers should focus on the design of the systems and supervising the people, while the worker should perform the manual labour.
According to Taylor, analysing work is the key to finding the ‘One Best Way’. He is therefore known for the time and motion study, in which every part of the job is broken into pieces and the time necessary to complete each part measured to the hundredth of a minute.
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Sources:
Clegg, S., Kornberger, M., & Pitsis, T. (2005). Making sense of management in Managing and Organizations – An introduction to theory and practice (1st edition, pp. 3-39). London: SAGE Publications
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Winslow_Taylor#Scientific_management
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Winslow_Taylor#Scientific_management
