- 1. The Principles of Scientific Management, a theory pioneered by Frederick Winslow Taylor in the early 20th century, is a framework that seeks to improve economic efficiency and labor productivity through systematic analysis and optimization of workflows. Taylor proposed that traditional methods of management lacked an empirical foundation, leading to inconsistent performance and inefficiencies in the workplace. His framework is built on four fundamental principles: firstly, the scientific study of tasks to determine the best way to perform them, which involves breaking down each job into smaller components and analyzing the most efficient methods. Secondly, it emphasizes the selection and training of workers based on their abilities, ensuring that they are well-suited for their specific tasks. Thirdly, the principles promote the division of labor, where management takes on the planning and execution of work while workers are responsible for carrying out tasks, thus creating a clear distinction in roles. Finally, it advocates for the establishment of cooperation between management and labor, where both parties work harmoniously towards common goals, fostering an environment of shared responsibility for results. Taylor’s ideas laid the groundwork for modern operational management practices and have influenced various fields, from manufacturing to service industries, as they highlight the importance of efficiency, rationality, and the significant role of management in enhancing productivity.
Who is considered the father of Scientific Management?
A) Frederick Winslow Taylor
B) Max Weber
C) Elton Mayo
D) Henry Ford
- 2. What is the primary focus of Scientific Management?
A) Customer relations
B) Employee satisfaction
C) Company culture
D) Efficiency in work processes
- 3. Which of the following is a principle of Scientific Management?
A) Maximizing employee autonomy
B) The science of work to replace rule of thumb
C) Standardizing all employee tasks
D) Emphasizing hierarchy
- 4. What did Taylor introduce to standardize work methods?
A) Profit sharing
B) Team-based work
C) Work specialization
D) Job rotation
- 5. Which industry applied Scientific Management principles most famously?
A) Education
B) Retail
C) Manufacturing
D) Healthcare
- 6. What is 'time study' in the context of Scientific Management?
A) Evaluating employee performance
B) Measuring the time taken to perform each task
C) Assessing customer satisfaction
D) Monitoring work-life balance
- 7. What role do workers play in Scientific Management?
A) Team leaders
B) Cogs in a machine for efficiency
C) Creative decision-makers
D) Strategic planners
- 8. What was one criticism of Scientific Management?
A) Over-emphasis on teamwork
B) Complexity of procedures
C) Lack of efficiency
D) Dehumanization of workers
- 9. Under Scientific Management, how are wages structured?
A) Fixed salary for all roles
B) Based on task performance
C) Commission-based
D) Hourly wages only
- 10. What did the Gilbreths contribute to Scientific Management?
A) Job enrichment
B) Total quality management
C) Therbligs and motion study
D) Management hierarchies
- 11. What is 'scientific selection' of workers?
A) Selecting employees based on tenure
B) Hiring based on interviews only
C) Random selection of applicants
D) Choosing workers based on their abilities to perform specific tasks
- 12. How did Scientific Management impact labor relations?
A) Reduced conflict in workplaces
B) Strengthened labor unions
C) Often led to tensions between management and workers
D) Enhanced collaborative efforts
- 13. According to Taylor, what should be the basis for selecting workers?
A) Seniority
B) Scientific methods
C) Intuition
D) Experience
- 14. What did Taylor advocate for in terms of supervision?
A) Close supervision
B) Peer supervision
C) Minimal intervention
D) Laissez-faire
- 15. What behavioral aspect did Taylor neglect in his principles?
A) Work environment
B) Performance appraisal
C) Human motivation
D) Efficiency metrics
- 16. In Scientific Management, workers are expected to:
A) Create their own methods
B) Decide on pay rates
C) Follow standardized methods
D) Negotiate their roles
- 17. What is a significant limitation of Scientific Management?
A) Underestimating technology's role
B) Ignoring data analysis
C) Overemphasis on teamwork
D) Neglecting individual worker needs
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