The basic principles of Taylor’s system:
(The following information is recieved from Taylor’s Principles of Scientific Management, published in 1911)
- Older industrial methods are eliminated in favor of scientifically studied and perfected tasks (Frederick W. Taylor).
- Laborers are intentionally and scientifically chosen, trained, and observed by managers. They are no longer left to their own devices and are carefully watched over by management at all times (Frederick W. Taylor).
- Each worker’s assigned job is scientifically scrutinized and assessed through time and motion studies to identify the most efficient method possible. This analysis includes an examination of the necessary tools for the task and pinpointing the amount of work that a “first class” worker could accomplish in a day. The results are then what becomes expected of workers each day (Frederick Winslow Taylor).
- Every worker has the ability to become “first class” at the same job. It is management’s duty to identify who is best suited for each task (Frederick Winslow Taylor).
- The concerns of managers and workers are strictly separated. While managers are charged with planning and supervising tasks, workers are responsible for carrying it out (Frederick Winslow Taylor).
- Workers’ responsibilities must be laid out in advance, and managers must move workmen from place to place following scientifically worked out diagrams to ensure that no time is wasted with too many or too few workers in a particular area (Frederick Winslow Taylor).
- Taylor would fine any man whose machine or tools broke in an effort to encourage workers to be time efficient, but also cautious (Frederick Winslow Taylor).
- Laborers are paid on a piece rate system; those who produce at or above standard are paid more than those who perform poorly (Sapru 113).