Scientifique management
Executive Summary
This article discusses the relevance and validity of Frederick W. Taylor's contributions to Management theory and practice from the perspectives of the past, present, and future. In addition, we compare Taylor with selected scholars and industrialists. While some authors may question Taylor's contributions and debate his relevance, we believe that he has earned his title of Father of Scientific Management. Taylor's Scientific Management principles and practices have had a profound impact on management, industrial engineering and, to a lesser extent, industrial psychology. Many of Taylor's foundational principles will continue to be valuable for centuries to come.
Introduction
Nestled between the knowns of yesterday and the unknowns of tomorrow, the present is the twilight of the ever impending next era of history. It is with this knowledge that on the 100th anniversary of Frederick W. Taylor's (1911) publication of The Principles of Scientific Management we pause and reflect on his contributions. Taylor is revered as the Father of Scientific Management, and various authors (Payne, Youngcourt, & Watrous, 2006; Wrege & Greenwood, 1991; Wren, 2005) indicate that this designation is engraved on his tombstone. Management historians acknowledge Taylor's contributions and his impact on management theory. For example, Wren (1994:131) suggests that "Taylor provided the polestar (i.e., the guiding light) to a significant era in the evolution of management thought."
This article discusses Taylor's contributions in terms of industrial efficiencies and work measurement, standardization, delineation and management of tasks and the piecework concept, and organizational behavior. It also provides an analysis of the positive and negative impact of Taylor's theories as suggested by various authors. In addition, in order to further substantiate the relevance and validity of Taylor's contributions, they are compared with those of Gilbreth, Cook, Gantt,
This article discusses the relevance and validity of Frederick W. Taylor's contributions to Management theory and practice from the perspectives of the past, present, and future. In addition, we compare Taylor with selected scholars and industrialists. While some authors may question Taylor's contributions and debate his relevance, we believe that he has earned his title of Father of Scientific Management. Taylor's Scientific Management principles and practices have had a profound impact on management, industrial engineering and, to a lesser extent, industrial psychology. Many of Taylor's foundational principles will continue to be valuable for centuries to come.
Introduction
Nestled between the knowns of yesterday and the unknowns of tomorrow, the present is the twilight of the ever impending next era of history. It is with this knowledge that on the 100th anniversary of Frederick W. Taylor's (1911) publication of The Principles of Scientific Management we pause and reflect on his contributions. Taylor is revered as the Father of Scientific Management, and various authors (Payne, Youngcourt, & Watrous, 2006; Wrege & Greenwood, 1991; Wren, 2005) indicate that this designation is engraved on his tombstone. Management historians acknowledge Taylor's contributions and his impact on management theory. For example, Wren (1994:131) suggests that "Taylor provided the polestar (i.e., the guiding light) to a significant era in the evolution of management thought."
This article discusses Taylor's contributions in terms of industrial efficiencies and work measurement, standardization, delineation and management of tasks and the piecework concept, and organizational behavior. It also provides an analysis of the positive and negative impact of Taylor's theories as suggested by various authors. In addition, in order to further substantiate the relevance and validity of Taylor's contributions, they are compared with those of Gilbreth, Cook, Gantt,