- 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) Henry Ford
C) Elton Mayo
D) Max Weber
- 2. What is the primary focus of Scientific Management?
A) Employee satisfaction
B) Customer relations
C) Company culture
D) Efficiency in work processes
- 3. Which of the following is a principle of Scientific Management?
A) Maximizing employee autonomy
B) Emphasizing hierarchy
C) The science of work to replace rule of thumb
D) Standardizing all employee tasks
- 4. What did Taylor introduce to standardize work methods?
A) Job rotation
B) Work specialization
C) Profit sharing
D) Team-based work
- 5. Which industry applied Scientific Management principles most famously?
A) Education
B) Healthcare
C) Manufacturing
D) Retail
- 6. What is 'time study' in the context of Scientific Management?
A) Measuring the time taken to perform each task
B) Assessing customer satisfaction
C) Monitoring work-life balance
D) Evaluating employee performance
- 7. What role do workers play in Scientific Management?
A) Creative decision-makers
B) Team leaders
C) Strategic planners
D) Cogs in a machine for efficiency
- 8. What was one criticism of Scientific Management?
A) Dehumanization of workers
B) Over-emphasis on teamwork
C) Complexity of procedures
D) Lack of efficiency
- 9. Under Scientific Management, how are wages structured?
A) Commission-based
B) Based on task performance
C) Hourly wages only
D) Fixed salary for all roles
- 10. What did the Gilbreths contribute to Scientific Management?
A) Therbligs and motion study
B) Total quality management
C) Management hierarchies
D) Job enrichment
- 11. What is 'scientific selection' of workers?
A) Choosing workers based on their abilities to perform specific tasks
B) Hiring based on interviews only
C) Random selection of applicants
D) Selecting employees based on tenure
- 12. How did Scientific Management impact labor relations?
A) Often led to tensions between management and workers
B) Strengthened labor unions
C) Reduced conflict in workplaces
D) Enhanced collaborative efforts
- 13. According to Taylor, what should be the basis for selecting workers?
A) Experience
B) Scientific methods
C) Seniority
D) Intuition
- 14. What did Taylor advocate for in terms of supervision?
A) Laissez-faire
B) Close supervision
C) Minimal intervention
D) Peer supervision
- 15. What behavioral aspect did Taylor neglect in his principles?
A) Performance appraisal
B) Human motivation
C) Efficiency metrics
D) Work environment
- 16. In Scientific Management, workers are expected to:
A) Decide on pay rates
B) Negotiate their roles
C) Follow standardized methods
D) Create their own methods
- 17. What is a significant limitation of Scientific Management?
A) Ignoring data analysis
B) Overemphasis on teamwork
C) Neglecting individual worker needs
D) Underestimating technology's role
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