Taylor's Scientific management and motivation

Question 1

What was Taylor’s scientific approach to management and motivation?

Answer 1

A business theory which believes that workers are inherently lazy and need financial incentives in order to perform productively. His motivation methods revolved mainly around piece rate pay.

Question 2

What were the steps in Taylor’s approach?

Answer 2

1) Identify the most efficient methods of production
2) Spot the most efficient workers and why they are so good
3) Train the remaining workers
4) Reward workers based on productivity (piece rate pay)

Question 3

What does Taylor’s theory do to motivate employees and how is it beneficial to a firm?

Answer 3

• Use piece rate pay so employees to improve productivity: makes the business more efficient
• Pay bonuses to employees who exceed the expected level of output: gives employees an incentive to produce at the most efficient level

Question 4

State a drawback of Taylor’s theory

Answer 4

• May cause industrial unrest as expected production levels are too high and employees may fear for their jobs; can lead to high trade union membership, meaning the business could generate a bad image and may push away potential new employees - this may mean that they need to lower production levels, meaning productivity may drop after all