Fredrick Taylor

Question 1

Key principles- Science,not rule of thumb

Answer 1

Replace traditional methods with scientific study
Use time and motion studies for task efficiency

Question 2

Key principles- harmony

Answer 2

Promote cooperation between workers and management
Encourage teamwork over individual

Question 3

Mental revolution

Answer 3

Shift mindset for mutual benefits
Foster a collaborative environment

Question 4

Co-operation not individualism

Answer 4

Ensure management and workers collaborate
promote teamwork

Question 5

Development of each person to their greatest efficiency

Answer 5

Train workers for efficiency
Match workers to suitable jobs

Question 6

Time and motion studies

Answer 6

Analyse tasks for optimal methods
Break task into smaller timed steps

Question 7

Standardisation of tools and procedures

Answer 7

Develop standard methods for consistency
Standardise tools and equipment

Question 8

Training and development

Answer 8

Provide training based on scientific methods
Focus on continuous skill improvement

Question 9

Differential piece rate system

Answer 9

Pay based on productivity
Higher efficiency leads to higher wages

Question 10

Benefits

Answer 10

Increased productivity- more efficient methods leads to higher output
Reduced waste- minimises time wasted and waste of materials
Higher wages- workers earn more through efficiency

Question 11

Benefits

Answer 11

Increased productivity- more efficient methods leads to higher output
Reduced waste- minimises time wasted and waste of materials
Higher wages- workers earn more through efficiency

Question 12

Criticisms

Answer 12

Dehumanisation- focus on efficiency can make work repetitive and boring
Workers Dissatisfaction- increased pressure and control can lower morale
Neglect of human aspects- Emphasis on task efficiency overlooks workers satisfaction and creativity

Question 13

Impact

Answer 13

Influence on management practices- foundation for modern management techniques.
Development of industrial engineering- inspired fields like operations management and industrial engineering
Critiques and Evolution- led to human relations movement and other theories considering human factors

Question 14

Amazon- application

Answer 14

Optimisation- uses data analytics to streamline warehouse operations
Standardisation: implements uniform procedures across warehouses
Incentives- performance based pay linked to productivity

Question 15

Amazon-benefits

Answer 15

Efficiency- high productivity and fast order fulfilment
Reduced waste- minimises time and material wastage

Question 16

Criticisms

Answer 16

Work stress- high pressure environment can lower morale
Dehumanisation- focus on efficiency may neglect employee wellbeing

Question 17

McDonald’s

Answer 17

Optimisation- uses time and motion to streamline kitchen operations
Standardisation- implements uniform procedures and recipes across all restaurants
Training- provides comprehensive training programs for employees

Question 18

Benefits

Answer 18

Efficiency- high productivity and consistent food quality
Reduced waste- minimises time and ingredient wastage

Question 19

Criticisms

Answer 19

Worker stress- repetitive tasks and high pressure environment can lower morale
Dehumanisation- focus on efficiency may neglect employee creativity and satisfaction

Question 20

Examples

Answer 20

Foxconn
Amazon
McDonald’s

Question 21

FOXCONN- key operations

Answer 21

Major factories in China including Longhua science and technology park in Shenzhen and factories in Zhengzhou, Henan Province

Question 22

FOXCONN-Products

Answer 22

Manufactures electronics and parts for major brands, notably producing 70% of the world’s iPhone

Question 23

Application Clear division of tasks: FOXCONN

Answer 23

Assembly line structure- work is divided into minute tasks along the assembly line, where each worker performs a specific, repetitive function.

Hierarchical Management: Clear separation between managerial planning and worker execution, ensuring strict control and oversight

Question 24

Application Use of scientific- FOXCONN

Answer 24

Time and motion studies- Tasks are broken down and optimised for efficiency, mirroring Taylor’s scientific analysis of work.
Standardisation- processes and movements are standardised to maximise productivity and reduce inefficiencies.

Question 25

Application scientific selection and Training

Answer 25

Work selection- Recruitment often targets students who are trained intensively to perform specific tasks.
Training programs- Foxconn University offers further training to enhance workers skills and efficiency

Question 26

Application close supervision- Foxconn

Answer 26

Monitoring systems- workers are closely monitored by both their supervisors and technological systems to ensure compliance and productivity
Punishment- Reports indicate the use of punishments to enforce discipline and maintain output standards

Question 27

Working conditions at Foxconn

Answer 27

Work Environment- characterised by gruelling workloads, monotonous tasks, and long hours (e.g.12 hours)
Living conditions- workers often live in dormitories with stringent regulations, contributing to high-stress environment
Turnover rate- high due to the demanding nature of the work and the harsh conditions

Question 28

Criticisms- FOXCONN

Answer 28

Boredom and monotony: worker’s experience significant boredom and monotony due to the repetitive nature of tasks
Over work and fatigue- allegations of excessive working hours and insufficient rest periods
Psychological impact- high stress levels, with reports of workers experiencing physical And mental exhaustion, nightmares and even mimicking work motion’s unconsciously.
Suicides and safety nets- a spate of suicides led to the installation of safety nets to prevent further incidents and highlighted severe psychological distress among workers
Recent protests- ongoing worker unrest due to poor conditions, exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions

Question 29

Management responses- FOXCONN

Answer 29

Wage increases- In response to suicides and negativity publicity, Foxconn raised wages for workers
Stress Management- initiatives such as stress rooms and the hiring of counsellors and Buddhist monks to help alleviate worker stress.
Reforms and public relations- Efforts to improve working conditions, through effectiveness and sincerity are debated

Question 30

Reflection on Taylorism at Foxconn

Answer 30

Efficiency vs Human cost- while Foxconn’s implementation of scientific management principles has led to significant productivity gains, it has also resulted in severe human costs, raising questions about the ethicality and sustainability of such practices.
Ethical considerations- the need to balance efficiency with humane treatment of workers is highlighted, questioning whether Taylor’s principles are fully applicable in modern contexts without significant modifications to address workers well being

Question 31

Conclusion- Foxconn

Answer 31

Foxconn serves as a contemporary example of Taylor’s scientific management in action. The company’s approach to efficiency and control mirrors Taylor’s principles but also brings to light the critical ethical and human concerns associated with such a management style in 21st century.