Interrelationship Between Management Functions

SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

F.W Taylor was the first management thinker who insisted on the introduction of scientific methods in management and it was he who, along with his associated, made the first systematic study of management. He launched a new movement in 1910 which is known as ‘Scientific Management’. This is why; Taylor is regarded as the father of scientific management.

Meaning of Scientific Management

According to F.W. Taylor, “Scientific Management is the substitution of exact scientific investigation and knowledge for the old individual judgment or opinion in all matters relating to the work done in the shop.” It implies the application of science to management of a business concern. It aims at replacement of traditional techniques by scientific techniques. 

Scientific Management is a process of directing human efforts which employs scientific methods for getting highest productivity. In the words of Peter F. Drucker, “The thread of scientific management runs through operational study of work, the analysis of work into simplest elements and the systematic improvement of the workers’ performance of each element”.

Scientific Management is a thoughtful, organized human approach to the job of management as contrasted with hit or miss, rule of thumb. “It is the art of knowing exactly what you want men to do and then seeing that how they do it in the best and cheapest way. “Scientific management includes finding the most efficient methods of production, scientific selection and training of workers, proper allotment of duties and work and achieving cooperation between workers and management. 

In short, scientific management involves:

(c). scientific study and analysis of work;

(b). scientific selection and training of employees; and

(c). standardization of raw materials, working condition and equipment. 

Aims of Scientific Management

The aims of scientific management may be summarized as under:

1. Increased Production. Increase in the rate of production by use of standardized tools, equipment and methods. 
2. Quality Control. Improvement in the quality of the output of research, quality control and inspection devices.
3. Cost Reduction. Reduction in the cost of a production by rational planning and regulation, and cost control techniques.
4. Elimination of Wastes. Elimination of wastes in the use of resources and methods of production.
5. Right Men for Right Work. Placement of right person on the right job through scientific selection and training.
6. Incentive Wages. Payment of wages to workers according to their efficiency.