Scientific management theory gives focus on the use of modern technology and tools to improve the efficiency and productivity of the firm. It promotes specialization and division of labor. This theory has several advantages such as promotion of specialization, avoidance of conflict at the workplace, increased productivity and profitability etc. It has some drawbacks such as requirement of more cost, possibility of employee exploitation, low employee morale etc.
In this post, we are going to discuss the pros and cons of scientific management in detail.
Contributions/Importance/Advantages Of Scientific Management Theory
The main advantages of scientific management theory can be highlighted as follows:
1. Increased Productivity
Scientific management theory promotes modernization of machines, tools and production equipment. It gives focus on efficient employment of both human and technical resources. So, it helps to increase productivity of the firm.
2. Increased Profitability
It gives emphasis on modern and effective production technology which helps to reduce the cost of production, minimize wastage and misuse of resources. Lower production cost and less wastage helps to increase profitability of the firm.
3. Specialization
Responsibility and tasks are divided according to the skills and ability of employees. it promotes specialization, reduce work burden and increases the efficiency of labor.
4. Harmonious Relationship
Scientific management theory discourages individualism and promotes sense of coordination and cooperation. So, it helps to maintain harmonious relationship among the employees.
5. Training And Development
This theory gives importance on proper training and development of employees working in the organization. It helps to improve performance and increase production.
6. Avoidance Of Conflict
It gives emphasis on better utilization of human resource in the organization. So, it helps to avoid conflict and misunderstanding between management and employees.
Disadvantages/Drawbacks/Limitations Of Scientific Management
The main disadvantages or limitations of scientific management theory can be highlighted as follows:
1. Costly Affair
Scientific management always gives focus on modernization of organizational structure. It focuses on the use of advanced and modern technology. So, it is very costly.
2. Suitable For Big Firms Only
Because of high cost of maintenance, it is suitable only for big firms. New and small firms cannot apply this theory of management.
3. Exploitation Of Employees
This theory is focused towards production maximization and profit maximization only. So, employees may feel pressure at work which leads to labor exploitation.
4. Ignores Human Aspect
It gives more importance on technical aspect and ignores employees interests.
5. Monotony
Because of routine and repetition of same work, scientific management promotes monotony.
6. Low Employee Morale
Due to exploitation, ignoring human interest and monotony at work, it reduces employee morale.
7. Antisocial Theory
It is known as antisocial theory because of above mentioned limitations.
Pros And Cons Of Scientific Management In Short
Pros
* It increases productivity and profitability by promoting specialization and division of labor
* It ensures prompt decision making
* It gives emphasize on proper training and development of employees
* It avoids conflict and misunderstanding in the workplace
Cons
* It is not suitable for small firms having limited resources because of high cost
* It ignores human aspects
* It may demotivate employees because of routine work