Question

Explain the concept of 'functional foremanship' and 'mental revolution' in scientific management as enunciated by Taylor.

Answer 1

Functional foremanship It is an extension of the principles of division of work and specialisation. The term, functional foremanship means separation of planning from execution. Each worker is supervised by various specialists. For this, Taylor suggested that under the factory manager, there is a planning in charge and a production so as to increase efficiency.

Mental revolution Mental refers to mind and revolution refers to radical change, therefore, mental revolution refers to a change of mind. According to Taylor, a scientific management, in its essence, involves a complete mental revolution on the part of both sides to industry, viz workers and management.

No scheme of scientific management could be a success, unless and until both these groups fully cooperate with each other through developing and maintaining best friendly relations. This requires a mental revolution on the part of management and workers by giving up an attitude of hostility and enmity towards each other.