Question

Explain any five techniques of "Scientific Management".

Answer 1

Scientific Setting of Wage Rates:

Wage rates should be fixed in such a way that the average worker is induced to attain a standard output. Taylor suggested the differential piece- wage system. Under this system, higher rates are offered to those workers who produce more than the standard quantity. Taylor was of the view that efficient workers should be paid, from 30% to 100% more than the average workers.

Scientific Selection and Training:

The management should design a scientific selection procedure so that right man is selected for the right jobs. The first step in scientific selection is determining the jobs for which workers are required. After that the most appropriate qualification, training, experience and the level of efficiency for the requisite post are determined. Employees are selected according to pre-determined standards in an impartial way.

Functional Foremanship:

Taylor advocated that specialization must be introduced in a factory. He advocated ‘functional foremanship’ for this purpose. A functional foremanship is a form, of organisation which involves the supervision of a worker by several specialist foremen. For instance, matters relating to the speed of work and repairs of machinery will be supervised by the speed boss and the repair boss respectively.

Differential Piece-Rate Plan:

This plan was suggested by Taylor to attract highly efficient workers. Under this plan, there are two piece work rates, one is lower and another is higher. The standard of efficiency is determined in terms of a number of units during a day or standard same. The worker who produces more than standard output within the standard time.

Standardisation of Tools and Equipment:

Taylor advocated standardisation of tools and couplings, cost system and several other items. Efforts should be made to provide standardised working environment and methods of production to the workers. Standardisation would help to reduce spoilage and wastage of materials, improve quality of work, reduce the cost of production and reduce fatigue among the workers.