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