F.W. Taylor’s principles of Scientific Management

Management Principles refers to the direction and guidelines which need to be followed while decision making.

Fredrick Winslow Taylor was born on March 20, 1856 and died on March 21, 1915. He was a American mechanical engineer who wanted to improve industry efficiency. He played a very important role in reorganising the factory system of production. F.W. Taylor gave the principles of Scientific management.

Scientific Management means knowing clearly what you want people to do and checking that they do it in the most cheapest and effective way. These principles are given below-

1. Science, not Rule of thumb

Earlier, the factory owners or managers depended on personal judgement in solving problems. This is what is called the rule of thumb. But, every work cannot be solved with personal judgement. F.W. Taylor realised that there is only one best way to increase efficiency. Scientific Management analyse various methods, find their pros and cons and then develop the standard method of doing the work. This is a science. Thus, F.W. Taylor’s principles of Scientific Management replaces the rule of thumb by science.

2. Harmony, not Discord

Harmony means peace and discord means conflict. Factory system of production involves a direct contact between workers, managers and owners. Thus, there is always a possibility of class conflict between them. The conflict is very evident as managers have to make the workers work for achieving the goals.  F.W. Taylor’s Scientific Management believes that this conflict will not help anyone. He focused on the fact that there should be true harmony between owners, managers and workers. Both  should realise each other's importance. Management should realise that efficient workers are important for their company and workers should realise that management is important for providing them employment.

3. Cooperation, Not individualism

Cooperation means working together and individual means working alone. There must be complete cooperation between workers, management and owners. Everyone should work together to achieve the goals of the organisation. This is an extension of the previous principle ‘Harmony, Not Discord’. People should co-operate with each other and try to reduce competition. Management should welcome suggestions from workers and encourage them to take initiative. Management should ask for suggestions from workers and reward them if the suggestion and extraordinary result.

4. Development of each and every individual to his/ her greatest efficiency and prosperity

According to this principle, each individual should be selected according to his capability. A manager should assign duty according to the person's qualifications and mental and physical strength. At last, training should be provided to maximise the efficiency of workers. The efficient workers will work more and produce more. This will help them two or more. this will be helpful for both workers and management.