Taylor's Theory of Scientific Management

Overview of Taylor and His Theory

• Frederick Winslow Taylor: American engineer and management consultant.
• Scientific Management Theory (Taylorism):
  • Main motivator for employees is pay.
  • Use science to increase efficiency and productivity.
  • Workers should master one task to enhance productivity.
• Famous quote: "In the past, the man has been first; in the future, the system must be first."

Key Concepts of Taylor's Scientific Management Theory

• Use science to simplify job roles and increase productivity.
• Introduction of time and motion study to analyze and time tasks, identifying the quickest way to complete them.
• Breakdown of jobs into manageable tasks; specialization.
• Incentivization through piece-rate pay.
  • Motivation linked to productivity and, consequently, to pay.
  • Non-productive workers should be fired or paid minimal wages.

Application at McDonald's

• Richard and Maurice McDonald applied scientific management in redesigning McDonald's.
• Introduced the Speedy System: efficient kitchen and workspace design.
• Task specialization: different workers responsible for different aspects of burger making.
• Principles seen in today's McDonald's:
  • Standardization of look, layout, and signage across franchises.
  • Consistency in product quality worldwide.
  • Replication of the "one best way" of doing tasks across the franchise.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Scientific Management

Advantages

• Increased productivity and efficiency across businesses.
• Allows for consistent product quality.
• Reduced need for highly skilled labor, lowering wage costs.

Disadvantages

• Jobs become monotonous and dehumanized, lacking autonomy and meaning.
• Increased unemployment due to fewer needed workers and strikes.
• Suppression of worker initiative and creativity.
• Creates a survival of the fittest work environment, valuing productivity over all else.