Scientific Management Theory of Organizations

Synonyms

Administrative Theory of Management; Managerial Hierarchy Organizational Effectiveness; Organizational Theory and Behavior; Scientific Management Movement; Taylorism

Definitions

Workflow:

The process of performing specific tasks

Efficiency:

The rate at which work is completed coupled with the quality of work produced

Design of Organization:

Unlike Taylor’s micromanagerial approach, examines the entire organization as a whole to determine efficiency

PODSCoRB:

Acronym of Gulick’s guiding principles pertaining to the roles of managers and executives

Introduction

Several theories exist pertaining to how to best manage the workflow in organizations. In 1909, Taylor published “The Principles of Scientific Management,” in which he theorized the most efficient way to manage production of a complex product is by simplifying the workflow and providing the best tools/methods for which to complete the work to maximize profits for both the company and the wage earner (whose primary...