F Ltd. was engaged in the business of food processing and selling its products under a popular brand. Lately, the business was expanding due to good quality and reasonable prices. Also with more people working, the market for processed food was increasing. New players were also coming to cash in on the new trend. In order to keep its market share in the short run, the company directed its existing workforce to work overtime.
But this resulted in many problems. Due to increased pressure of work, the efficiency of the workers declined. Sometimes, the subordinates had to work for more than one superior resulting in declining efficiency. The divisions that were previously working on one product were also made to work on two or more products. This resulted in a lot of overlapping and wastage. The workers were becoming indisciplined. The spirit of teamwork, which had characterised the company previously, was beginning to wane. Workers were feeling cheated and initiative was declining. The quality of the products was beginning to decline and market share was on the verge of decrease. Actually, the company had implemented changes without creating the required infrastructure.
Taylor's principles of scientific management and Fayol's principles of management are mutually complementary. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Yes, I agree that the work of Taylor and Fayol are essentially complementary. They both focussed on maintaining good industrial relations. They gave solutions of managerial problems. They presented a systematic study on management. Both of them developed their ideas, thoughts and principles after a thorough analysis and experimentation.
Following are the reasons:
(i) The aim of both Taylor and Fayol, is to maximise the efficiency and achieve the aims.
(ii) Taylor and Fayol both advocated on division of work and responsibility.
(iii) Both of them have contributed immensely to the knowledge of management.