Scientific Management
Scientific Management is a system that was originated from Fredrick W. Taylor (1911), which composite analysis of worker’s individual workflow and their labour productivity. The main purpose of this theory is to maximize efficiency within organisations to speed up the process of work in the minimum amount of time and cost incurred by the organisation (Ross 2010). Taylor believed that the most efficient way that work could be done was only when workers knew what they were doing and not merely working hard. (Mindtools)
Scientific Management focuses on four main principles. Firstly, different parts of the task are studied scientifically for a best possible method to achieve and perform it. Secondly, workers are scientifically selected and trained to perform the designated task at their best trained ability. Thirdly, workers and managers will collaborate to ensure the results expected. Lastly, planning and division of work will be divided by managers to workers respectively.
There are many examples of Scientific Management in the modern society, of which some includes, car, technology and computer manufacturing plants, hospitals and some of the restaurant (Dharmasiri 2013). Foxconn is one of the many manufacturing companies that use Scientific Management in the twenty-first century. In an interview with CNN (2012), a worker said, “women work like men and work like machines … It’s so boring, I can’t bear it anymore. Everyday was like: I get off from work. It became my daily routine and I almost felt like I was some kind of animal.” (Grant 2012, para 14&16)
When work becomes a routine for workers in a repetitive environment, alienation occurs. From the theory of Durkheim (1893), alienation was producing anomie, which could lead to crime and even suicide. This shows very clearly in the case of Foxconn’s serial suicide cases, that workers do not feel a sense of belonging to the company by the recurrent vicious work cycle. They were also not allowed to voice their
Scientific Management focuses on four main principles. Firstly, different parts of the task are studied scientifically for a best possible method to achieve and perform it. Secondly, workers are scientifically selected and trained to perform the designated task at their best trained ability. Thirdly, workers and managers will collaborate to ensure the results expected. Lastly, planning and division of work will be divided by managers to workers respectively.
There are many examples of Scientific Management in the modern society, of which some includes, car, technology and computer manufacturing plants, hospitals and some of the restaurant (Dharmasiri 2013). Foxconn is one of the many manufacturing companies that use Scientific Management in the twenty-first century. In an interview with CNN (2012), a worker said, “women work like men and work like machines … It’s so boring, I can’t bear it anymore. Everyday was like: I get off from work. It became my daily routine and I almost felt like I was some kind of animal.” (Grant 2012, para 14&16)
When work becomes a routine for workers in a repetitive environment, alienation occurs. From the theory of Durkheim (1893), alienation was producing anomie, which could lead to crime and even suicide. This shows very clearly in the case of Foxconn’s serial suicide cases, that workers do not feel a sense of belonging to the company by the recurrent vicious work cycle. They were also not allowed to voice their
References: 1) Ross, C. 2010, “Use of Scientific Management for Business” Viewed 26th February 2013, 2) Mindtools, “Fredrick Taylor and Scientific Management” Viewed 26th February 2013, 3) Dharmasiri, A. 2013, “Tailoring Taylor for today” Viewed 27th February 2013, 4) Grant, S. 2012, “Inside story of Foxconn shrouded in secrecy” Viewed 2nd March 2013, 5) Hays, J. 2008a, “Apple and Foxconn: Work conditions, problems and changes” Viewed 2nd March 2013, 6) Hays, J. 2008b, “Apple and Foxconn: Work conditions, problems and changes” Viewed 2nd March 2013, 7) Johnson, J. 2011, “1 Million Workers. 90 Million iPhones. 17 Suicides. Who’s to Blame?” Viewed 2nd March 2013, 8) Freedman, D 1992, “Is Management still a Science?” Viewed 2nd March 2013, 9) Barboza, D. 2010, “After Sucicides, Scrutiny of China’s Grim Factories” Viewed 2nd March 2013,