Earthquke Management

Introduction

Scientific management, which contributes by Frederick W. Taylor, plays an important role in managing application of many organisations in a long term until now.

According to Campling et al. (2008, pg. 35), scientific management "emphasises careful selection and training of workers, and supervisory support".

In recent years, there has been much discussion about scientific management. Some would argue that this theory produced a significant effect on improving the productivity of organsiations, and is still applicable to contemporary organisation. However, others argue that with the rapid development of technology, scientific management demonstrates the historical limitation gradually, and some factors have been criticized.

This paper will first analysis three articles which related to scientific management, and then the evolution of management thought will be evaluated, followed by an example of contemporary management application being given.

Analysis of Assigned Article

Reference: Locke, E. A. 1982, 'The ideas of Frederick W. Taylor: An Evaluation', Academy of Management Review, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 14-24.

The major management theory, scientific management, is being evaluated by the author in this article, which consists of four main principles.

The first main principle of scientific management is every job would be done in the "one best way". According to Locke (1982, pg.15), "one best way" refers to remove wasted motions of the work, arrange remaining motions, and standardised working tools and procedures in order to achieve a high productivity. Next, select workers whose skills match the jobs and train them carefully. Locke (1982, pg.17) supported that men, who has high aptitude of a given job, could be higher productivity than the others. Also, management experts, who are familiar with the job, should be responsible for new workers (Locke, 1982, pg.17). Thirdly, support employees by planning their task, including goal setting and individualizd...