MLIS-207: LIBRARY AND

INFORMATION CENTRE
MANAGEMENT

CONCEPT OF MANAGEMENT, ADMIN

Submitted to:
Topic
Dr. Anjali Agarwal Submitted By:
AJAY
Roll no: 01
MLIS

Date of Submission: 28/03/2025

DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

KURUKSHETRA UNIERSITY, KURUKSHETRA
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.Introduction

2.Scientific Management

3.F.W. Taylor and his contributions in Scientific Management

4.Principles of Scientific Management

5.Techniques of Scientific Management

6.Applications of Scientific Management in Library Science

7.Advantages of Scientific Management

8.Criticism of Scientific Management

9.Conclusion

10.Bibliography

1.INTRODUCTION

Management is a systematic approach to planning, organizing, leading, and controlling

resources efficiently to achieve specific goals. In the field of Library and Information Science,
management plays a crucial role in organizing resources, ensuring the smooth operation of
library functions, and enhancing user satisfaction. Scientific management, pioneered by
Frederick Winslow Taylor, introduced systematic methods to improve efficiency and
productivity.

2. SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

Scientific Management is a management technique that utilizes scientific methods to enhance

workforce efficiency. It uses scientific methods that include systematic, objective, and logical
principles and techniques to solve management problems.

What is Scientific Management?

The use of scientific principles and techniques in various managerial functions is known as
scientific management. It is the art of knowing exactly what you want your employees to do and
seeing that they do it in the best and cheapest ways. It involves the study of each activity in detail
and doing the work in such a manner so that work can be completed effectively and efficiently.

In the words of Lawrence A. Appley:

“Scientific Management is a conscious orderly human approach to the performance of

management responsibilities as contrasted with the day-in and day-out rule of thumb, hit or miss
approach”.

In the words of F.W. Taylor:

“Scientific management is the art of knowing exactly what you want your men to do and then
seeing that they do it in the best and cheapest way.”

3. F.W. TAYLOR AND HIS CONTRIBUTIONS IN SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

Frederick Winslow Taylor (1856-1915)

F.W Taylor was an American mechanical engineer who started his career as a mechanic and rose
to the position of chief engineer in Bethlehem Steel Company, USA. He found that the main
cause of inefficiency and wastage in factories was ignorance on the part of both workers and
management because of the use of Traditional, unscientific rules and rule of thumb. Taylor
defined management as ‘‘the art of knowing exactly what you want men to do and seeing that
they do it in the best and cheapest way.” He stated that the best management was a true science
based upon certain defined laws, rules, and principles. He was the first who laid emphasis on the
importance of a scientific approach to managing an enterprise instead of the hit and trial method.
His philosophy and ideas are given in his book, ‘Principles of Scientific Management’. For his
contribution, he is also known as the Father of Scientific Management.

4. PRINCIPLES OF SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT Principles of Scientific Management

F.W. Taylor’s scientific management is based on the following four principles:

1. Science, not Rule of Thumb

Taylor focused on the scientific study and analysis of each and every element of a work to
replace the old rule of thumb method or hit and trial method. Rule of thumb is not based on
science or exact measurement. Scientific method is based on cause and effect, whereas rule of
thumb was based solely on the discretion of managerial decisions. Taylor focused that managers
should scientifically analyze each and every component of work. According to him, even a small
work, like loading of iron pigs into boxcars can be scientifically done. Doing a work
scientifically reduces wastage of time and resources and helps to achieve the target effectively
and efficiently.

2. Harmony, Not Discord

Taylor recognized the class conflict that existed between the workers and managers. He
emphasized that there should be no conflict between the workers and managers. Both of them
should realize the importance of each other and should work together for organizational goals. In
order to achieve this harmonious relation, he focused on ‘Mental Revolution’, which means that
workers and managers should transform their thinking. In such a situation, management aims at
providing better working environment for the employees, and sharing the gains of the company,
etc., and workers should avoid going on strikes and work hard to the best of their ability. This
principle is clearly visible in the case of Japanese work culture. There is complete openness
between the workers and management. If workers are not satisfied with the management, they
wear a black badge and work for more than the normal working hours.

3. Cooperation, Not Individualism

According to this, there should be cooperation between management and workers instead of
individualism. This principle is an extension of Principle “Harmony, Not Discord”. Both
management and workers should realize that they need each other. There should be cooperation
between them, and competition should be replaced by cooperation. For achieving this principle,
management should welcome the constructive ideas and suggestions of the workers. The workers
should be praised and rewarded for the suggestions given if their suggestions were helpful.
Workers should be taken into consideration while taking important decisions. On the other hand,
workers should avoid unreasonable demands and strikes and should work effectively and
efficiently to achieve organizational goals.

4. Development of Workers to their Greatest Efficiency and Prosperity

Taylor focused on the efficiency of workers. According to him, every organization should follow
the scientific method of selection of workers, and each worker should be scientifically selected.
Then they should be assigned work according to their mental, physical and intellectual
capabilities. To increase efficiency, training should be provided. This increase in efficiency will
be beneficial for both workers and management.

5.TECHNIQUES OF SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

Techniques of Scientific Management

Taylor suggested the following techniques of scientific management:

1. Functional Foremanship: According to this technique, the work of supervision is divided into
several specialized foremen. Taylor believes that one foreman is not an expert in all aspects of
work. Therefore, each worker should be supervised by several foremen. Taylor suggested that 8
specialists out of these 4 will be responsible for looking after the planning work, and the other
four will be responsible to supervise and executing of work.

2. Standardization and Simplification of Work: Standardization means fixing standards for

everything. To attain standard production, the standard of performance is established for the
workers. Standardization of work means standard set for material, machine method, and
condition of work. Simplification refers to eliminating unnecessary varieties, sizes, and grades of
the product. It aims at eliminating unnecessary varieties, sizes and dimensions.

3. Work-Study: Work-study means systematic and critical assessment of all the operational
functions in the organization. The main objective of the work-study is to improve efficiency by
making optimum utilization of resources.
Method Study: It is a concern with finding ‘one best way’ of doing a job. The main aim of this
technique is to improve work methods to minimize the cost of products and maximize the
satisfaction of customers.

Motion Study: This study refers to making a thorough analysis of various motions being
performed by a worker while he is doing a particular job. The main purpose of motion study is to
detect and eliminate unnecessary movement, and to find out the best method of doing a particular
job.

Time Study: It is the technique that is used to determine the standard time taken by a worker. It
helps in determining how much work an employee should be able to do in a given period.

Fatigue Study: It refers to determining the amount and frequency of rest intervals required in
completing a work. Taylor suggested that a person gets tired when he works continuously
without a break. So, he must be provided with a rest interval to regain his lost stamina.

4. Differential Price Wage System: This is a system in which efficient and inefficient workers are
paid at different rates. According to Taylor, financial incentives act as a motivator. So, Taylor
developed the concept of a differential piece wage system. In this technique, incentives are
directly linked with productivity.

5. Mental Resolution: It means a total change in the attitude of workers and management towards
one another from competition to cooperation. It requires that management should create suitable
working condition for workers, and workers should do their work with full devotion.
6.APPLICATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT IN LIBRARY SCIENCE

Scientific management principles can be applied in libraries to improve efficiency in various

functions:

Efficient Library Operations: Standardizing cataloguing, classification, and circulation processes

to minimize inefficiencies.

Cataloguing and Classification: Using systematic methods like Dewey Decimal Classification
(DDC) and Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR-II) for uniform organization.

Circulation and Reference Services: Implementing automated systems and digital catalogues to
streamline user services.

Human Resource Management in Libraries: Scientific selection, training, and development of

library staff to enhance service delivery and ensure optimal job allocation.

Library Automation and Digitization: Using software and technology to automate library
processes, reducing manual workload and increasing accessibility.

7.ADVANTAGES OF SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

1. Enhanced production:

The scientific management theory is responsible for enhanced production as it concentrates on

steady improvements in business operations. There is fruitful cooperation between managers and
workers and hence enhanced teamwork achieved. The harmonious relationship between the
management and workers assists in production in the organization.

2. Ability to control:

The best part of scientific management theorists is that the managers can have good control
overproduction. Employees become specialists in their field as they do the same task repeatedly;
this makes it easy for the manager to have control over employees.

3. Decreases inaccuracy:
 Inaccuracy decreased as the theory based on experiment and observation for context-specific
solutions. With better planning and improved decision making, the accuracy achieved.

4. Decreased autocracy:

The theory stimulates the management to adopt a positive relationship with leadership.
Cooperation amongst employees and managers enhances democracy in the workplace. Hence
there decreased autocracy by following scientific management theory.

5. Cost of production reduced:

The mechanization and the latest use of technology in the production of goods enhance
productivity. Since there is enhanced large scale production, there is a decrease in per unit cost of
production.

6. Pay system:

With the theory piecework pay system follow, where payment is monitored based on piecework.
Here incentives considered to enhance productivity and provide high wages for employees. With
higher productivity, there is an increase in wages for employees. The differential incentive plan
provides higher wages to efficient workers. In this way, the standard of living of the employees
made better.

7. Quick decision making:

Planning ahead of time and prompt decision making are few good aspects of scientific
management theory.

8. A benefit to customers:

With the help of scientific management theory, there are triple benefits for the consumers.
Consumers pay fewer prices and can get the best quality products. They are also able to attain
better living standards.

9. Efficiency increased:

They follow early working methods and control where a management methodology developed
for training, selecting and supervising them in a close manner. Since scientific selection and
training methods follow, it leads to a workforce that is best and enhances efficiency.
Efficiency also increased with the standardization of techniques, tools, equipment, and materials.
The workers also benefit with development and scientific training as they can enhance their
competency and knowledge.

10. Best use of resources and development:

With the scientific techniques followed, there is better utilization of resources this, in turn, leads
to increased productivity. Wastage and inefficiency of all means eradicated with the theory. Also
with the help of scientific investigation, it leads to technological development. They also follow
other quantitative techniques and modern studies are based.

8. CRITICISM OF SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

Despite its contributions, scientific management has faced criticism:

Rigidity and Lack of Human Aspect: Overemphasis on efficiency overlooks worker motivation,
creativity, and job satisfaction.

Overemphasis on Productivity: Focus on output may lead to worker exploitation and

dissatisfaction, as tasks become monotonous and mechanical.

Limited Applicability to Modern Work Environments: While effective in industrial settings,

some principles are difficult to apply in modern, dynamic, and creative workspaces.

Criticism from Behavioral Scientists: Scholars argue that human relations, motivation, and
psychological aspects should also be considered in management for a holistic approach.

9.CONCLUSION

Scientific management has significantly influenced modern management practices, including

library management. While it has some limitations, its principles continue to be relevant in
optimizing work processes, ensuring efficiency, and enhancing service quality in libraries. With
advancements in technology and evolving management practices, Taylor’s principles can be
further refined and integrated into contemporary management systems, ensuring a balanced
approach that combines efficiency with worker well-being.
10. BIBLIOGRAPHY

1.Taylor, F. W. (1911). The principles of scientific management. Harper & Brothers.

2.Kanigel, R. (1997). The one best way: Frederick Winslow Taylor and the enigma of efficiency.
Viking.

3.Wren, D. A. (2005). The evolution of management thought (5th ed.). Wiley.

4.Drucker, P. F. (1999). Management challenges for the 21st century. HarperBusiness.

5.Gupta, C. B. (2011). Management: Theory and practice. Sultan Chand & Sons.

6.Nelson, D. (1992). A mental revolution: Scientific management since Taylor. Ohio State
University Press.