Scientific Management (Taylorism) during the Second Industrial Revolution

Question 1

What is the main focus of Frederick Winslow Taylor’s The Principles of Scientific Management?

Answer 1

To introduce systematic studies on labour efficiency aiming to eliminate waste and maximize productivity.

Published in 1911, this text is considered a landmark in management theory.

Question 2

What does the term ‘Taylorism’ refer to?

Answer 2

The scientific management approach developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor.

It emphasizes efficiency and productivity in the workplace.

Question 3

What was one of the key goals of Scientific Management?

Answer 3

To eliminate waste.

This goal was pursued through systematic studies and analysis of work processes.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: The Principles of Scientific Management was published in _______.

Answer 4

1911

Question 5

True or False: Scientific Management focuses only on improving employee satisfaction.

Answer 5

False

It primarily focuses on efficiency and productivity.

Question 6

How did Taylor propose to maximize productivity?

Answer 6

By conducting systematic studies on labour efficiency.

This involved analyzing and optimizing work processes.

Question 7

What method did Taylor rely on to improve labour efficiency?

Answer 7

Detailed time-motion studies

Taylor’s method involved breaking down tasks into their simplest components.

Question 8

What was the main goal of Taylor’s method?

Answer 8

Increase worker output while minimising fatigue

This was achieved by standardising tasks and reducing unnecessary motions.

Question 9

In which industries were Taylor’s principles most notably applied?

Answer 9

Manufacturing industries, particularly in steel production and automobile manufacturing

Taylorism aimed to enhance efficiency in these sectors.

Question 10

What significant innovation did Henry Ford introduce in 1913?

Answer 10

The assembly line

This innovation was based on Taylorist principles.

Question 11

How did the introduction of Ford’s assembly line impact the production time of the Model T?

Answer 11

It fell from over 12 hours to just 93 minutes

This demonstrates the practical impact of scientific management.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: Taylor’s method aimed to standardise tasks and reduce _______.

Answer 12

unnecessary motions

This was to enhance efficiency and reduce fatigue.

Question 13

True or False: Taylorism was only applied in the automobile manufacturing industry.

Answer 13

False

Taylor’s principles were also applied in steel production and other manufacturing sectors.

Question 14

What did Taylorism accelerate in production?

Answer 14

The mechanisation and standardisation of production

Taylorism refers to the principles of scientific management developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor.

Question 15

What type of labor divisions were implemented in factories due to Taylorism?

Answer 15

Specialised labor divisions where workers performed highly repetitive, single-task jobs

This marked a shift from traditional craftsmanship to efficiency-driven production.

Question 16

What managerial practices became widespread due to Taylorism?

Answer 16

Performance-based incentives where wages were tied to output

This was a significant change from earlier labour arrangements that emphasized traditional apprenticeship models.

Question 17

Which sectors were influenced by the principles of scientific management?

Answer 17

• Railroad management
• Mining
• Clerical work

The influence of Taylorism extended beyond manufacturing to various industries.

Question 18

What government body adopted Taylorist strategies during World War I?

Answer 18

The War Industries Board

This showcased the influence of Taylorism on public administration.

Question 19

True or False: Taylorism focused on traditional craft skills and apprenticeship models.

Answer 19

False

Taylorism shifted the focus towards efficiency and mechanisation.

Question 20

What is Taylorism?

Answer 20

A system of scientific management aimed at improving economic efficiency and labor productivity

Taylorism is often associated with Frederick Winslow Taylor.

Question 21

What were the main criticisms of Taylorism?

Answer 21

It was criticized for its dehumanising effects, transforming skilled craftsmen into cogs in a machine, and stripping labor of autonomy

Critics included workers and labor unions.

Question 22

What did the regimented nature of work under Taylorism lead to?

Answer 22

Worker dissatisfaction, strikes, and resistance

Workers felt their autonomy was compromised.

Question 23

What significant event occurred in 1912 related to Taylorism?

Answer 23

The Watertown Arsenal strike, where machinists protested against Taylorist methods

They claimed the methods caused undue physical and mental strain.

Question 24

What action did the U.S. Congress take in response to Taylorism?

Answer 24

A congressional investigation into Taylorism’s effects on labor conditions

This highlighted the growing concern over worker well-being.

Question 25

What limitation did scientific management have regarding human factors?

Answer 25

It did not account for human psychology and motivation beyond financial incentives ## Footnote This limitation was a key point of criticism.

Question 26

What did the Hawthorne Studies reveal?

Answer 26

Social factors and worker morale played crucial roles in productivity ## Footnote Conducted in the 1920s-30s, these studies challenged Taylor's assumptions.

Question 27

What management approach emerged as a response to the findings of the Hawthorne Studies?

Answer 27

Human relations management ## Footnote This approach sought to balance efficiency with worker well-being.