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Taylors Scientific Theory

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Taylors Scientific Theory
IRHR1001 Essay 1 – Taylor 's theory and the implication for contemporary management practice

Taylor 's Theory was developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor, it was mainly associated with Scientific Management. Taylor endeavoured to increase labour and productivity in the workplace through a thorough study of a worker 's role and design a more efficient and productive approach to their jobs, this procedure derived from the observation Taylor made of workers 'soldiering ', the term applied if a worker deliberately worked at less than maximum potential. Taylor 's studies would involve analysing and breaking down tasks, reorganising and then simplifying them (Van Delinder, 2005). Taylor 's theory has been utilised in the past and is still in use in contemporary management today. There are advantages and disadvantages of applying Taylorism to management today as both have their merits. This essay will be focusing on both advantages and disadvantages of the application of Taylor 's theory in contemporary management practice. The essay will expand on the impact of Scientific Management in regards to the efficiency, production and psychological benefits and detriments in its application in the modern management scene.

Many workers believe that since Taylorism has been introduced, managers have exploited and used it as a reason downsize firms or to force more work from the employee (Wood et al (2010). This, having a negative impact on the employees morale and in turn affecting the original focus of the theory. As stated by Wood et al, 'Taylorism ' is a term that angers many due to the techniques being unsuitable when applied by oppressive management (2010). As the current market becomes more competitive, managers may seek the use of Taylor 's theory, they will in turn analyse and calculate employees tasks and cut down on employees, burdening the remaining with extra duties or even out sourcing employment to cheaper alternatives as seen in recent times with

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