Frederick Taylor is the key theorist that developed Taylor’s scientific management theory also known as Taylor's motivation theory. It concentrates on analysing workflows to find the best way tasks can be performed to maximise efficiency. The scientific study of finding the best method is called the ‘time and motion study'.

Taylor's motivation theory

While Taylor's management approach emphasises using scientific methods to increase productivity, it also points to financial incentives as the main motivator for employees.

Therefore, to motivate employees Taylor’s theory suggests that instead of paying employees a fixed salary they should receive performance-based pay. He believed that it would motivate workers to work harder without supervision.

Key principles of Taylor’s scientific management theory

There are four key principles that scientific management theory is created upon. They are identified as:

1. Scientific methods

The meaning of this principle is that the techniques that are created to perform a task are scientifically proven. Additionally, the science principle means that ways of doing a job should be constantly developed to make work more effective and efficient rather than sticking to the old ways.

2. Clear division of responsibilities

This means that the business manager should divide employees to specialise in one task rather than perform multiple tasks. This will ensure that one part of the project is completed and that employee is an expert in performing that task.

3. Performance-based pay

Managers should establish bonuses for high performing employees. This should motivate employees to exceed their set targets and be recognised for their hard work.

4. Rigid hierarchy and strict surveillance of employees

This way employees are aware of their responsibilities as well as know whom to report to in the workplace. Managers are responsible for training employees and monitoring their performance that ensures that employees achieve their set targets.

Fig. 1 - Scientific management theory

Advantages and disadvantages of Taylor’s theory

As with every theory, Taylor’s scientific management theory has both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages and disadvantages of Taylor's theory

Advantages

The advantages of Taylor's theory are:

• Increased production - The employees are strictly supervised by their managers and have set targets to achieve therefore the productivity of employees are likely to increase.
• Being in control - The rigid hierarchy system and employee specialisation in an individual task allows managers to have good control of employees.
• Cost of production is reduced - The scientific management aims to always find the best technology and most efficient ways in which tasks can be performed.
• Payment system - The pay per performance system is beneficial for higher-performing employees.
• Decreased inaccuracy - The way of performing a task is scientifically tested and the best method is established. As well as the employee becomes an expert in performing a specific task.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of Taylor's theory are:

• Increased unemployment - Due to the technical approach and specialisation of task execution employees can be easily replaced by technology. This can increase the unemployment rates.

• Deskilling- Due to the task specialisation and complete responsibility taken by managers, employees are not trained to perform any other task apart from the one that they are specialised in. Therefore employees may not have the skills to perform other duties in the business. As well as they may forget their previously attained skills as employees will not be practising them.

What is Braverman critique of Taylor’s theory?

Harry Braverman is one of the key critics of Taylor’s scientific management theory. Braverman systematically criticised Taylor’s theory. The key points that Bareverman criticised were:

Disskiling of employees - Baverman argued that making employees specialise in a particular task makes them deskilled. The employees may lose important skills that they previously had by the loss of opportunity to exercise them. As well as deskilled workers can be easily replaced by other employees or new technology.

Separation of conception and execution - The separation of scientific method development and workers, makes employees alienated. A procedure of performing a task is developed by managers, not employees themselves, meaning that the methods of performing a task may not fit employees.

Monopoly over knowledge - The workers become undifferentiated individuals who can be easily controlled by the management. Employees are trained to perform simple tasks while managers have all the knowledge and power to make decisions.

Taylor’s theory in business

In the business context, Taylor’s theory is used by larger organisations that generally implement bureaucratic structures. Examples of types of organisations are manufacturing plants, car industries, some hospitals and fast food chains.

What are the differences between Herzberg and Taylor’s theories?

There are key differences between these two theories:

First, Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory consists of both motivation and hygiene factors. The motivation factors are implemented to employees to engage and motivate them towards work. While hygiene factors are essential and employees expect to receive them in every workplace.

Motivation and hygiene factors are measured by levels the higher the level of each factor the more satisfied employees will be with their workplace.

Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory

The Herzberg theory is different from Taylor’s theory because Herzberg theory believes that employees are motivated by factors other than money such as achievement, praise, interest in work and responsibility. While ‘hygiene’ factors such as money do not exactly motivate the workers but are essential to avoid employee dissatisfaction. While Taylor believed that workers’ motivation is limited to monetary gains.

Moreover, Taylor’s theory concentrates on investing in new technologies and scientific methodology to make work more efficient. While Herzberg’s theory concentrates on investing in employees to increase their engagement, motivation towards work and improvement of working conditions. This is also believed to be beneficial to the organisation as employee performance will increase.

Taylor’s scientific management theory believes that workers should be assigned to small and manageable tasks, be control and perform their tasks exactly as they were told. On the other hand, Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory concentrated on employees engagement and motivation at work. Therefore the tasks are assigned to employees so that employees are interested in work, have an opportunity to develop in their careers, have a responsibility and are praised for their achievements.