Management
Management
THEORETICAL BASIS
1. Definition
1.1. Definition of scientific management theorist
Scientific management, also known as Taylorism, is a theory of management that
analyzes and synthesizes workflows. The main objective of scientific theory is to
improve productivity within an organization or an individual (Gordon, 2022). This theory
was developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor, an American mechanical engineer who
sought to improve industrial efficiency in the 20th century (Villanova University, 2022).
Frederick Taylor articulated four enduring scientific management principles, which
remain pertinent till this day. First, he advocated for the adoption of scientifically derived
methods rather than relying on arbitrary rules of thumb, aiming to identify the optimal
approach for completing tasks. Second, he proposed assigning job roles based on
workers' individual aptitudes, emphasizing tailored training to enhance their peak
performance. Third, he stressed the importance of monitoring worker productivity,
intervening with additional guidance when needed to ensure efficient output. Finally,
Taylor emphasized the need for a clear division of labor between managers, responsible
for planning and training, and workers, tasked with executing the trained methodologies
(MasterClass, 2021).
1.2. Definition of behavioral science theorists (Mary Parker Follet, Hugo, Elton
Mayo)
The integration of psychology, sociology, and anthropology in Behavioral Science
Theory offers a systematic framework for comprehending employee behavior. It
investigates the drivers behind employee motivation, including social requirements,
tensions, and personal growth aspirations. Acknowledging the uniqueness of individuals,
it underscores the importance for managers to cultivate interpersonal skills (Gordon,
2022). Behavioral sciences also encompass relational studies focusing on connections,
interactions, communication networks, and dynamics among individuals or cognitive
entities within a social framework. The incorporation of quantitative and qualitative
research methods is vital in unraveling how individuals perceive information and
navigate social bonds, aiding managers in enhancing employee motivation and
productivity (Course Sidekick, n.d). Mary Parker Follett, Hugo Munsterberg, and Elton
Mayo are recognized as pioneers of the behaviorism movement in management theory,
advocating for the inclusion of workers' behavioral aspects alongside their efficiency.
The fundamental tenets of the behavioral science approach can be condensed into the
following points. Firstly, an organization represents a socio-technical system where
various factors influence the interpersonal and group behavior of its members. Secondly,
achieving organizational goals requires aligning them with an understanding of human
needs. Thirdly, employees' diverse attitudes, perceptions, and values significantly shape
their behavior and impact their performance. Consequently, a certain degree of conflict is
an inherent and not necessarily adverse aspect of organizational dynamics (Gordon,
2022).
References:
Gordon, J. (2022) “Scientific management theory - explained”, The Business Professor,
retrieved from: https://thebusinessprofessor.com/en_US/management-leadership-
organizational-behavior/what-is-scientific-management-theory
Villanova University (n.d) “ Scientific Management Theory Explained”, Villanova
University, retrieved from: https://www.villanovau.com/articles/leadership/scientific-
management-theory-explained/
Rasool, T., Warraich, N. F., & Sajid, M. (2022). Examining the Impact of Technology
Overload at the Workplace: A Systematic Review. SAGE Open, 12(3).
https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221114320