Question 23

Scientific management meant doing work in a more productive manner.

Frederick Winslow Taylor's work established the concept of scientific management, which emphasized efficiency and productivity in industrial processes. His writings suggested that reorganizing methods of handling labor could significantly improve output and reduce costs.

A) doing work in a more productive manner.

This option is correct as it aligns directly with Taylor's principles of scientific management, which focused on enhancing productivity and efficiency in the workplace. Taylor's emphasis on reorganizing labor methods and improving work processes aimed to maximize output, making this choice the most accurate representation of his philosophy.

B) creating better tools for the workplace.

While Taylor did contribute to advancements in tool efficiency, this option is misleading as it misrepresents the core focus of scientific management. The primary intent of Taylor's work was not just about creating better tools but rather about optimizing work processes and productivity.

C) getting rid of unskilled workers.

This option misunderstands Taylor's approach. Although he advocated for placing workers in roles where they could perform best, his philosophy did not endorse simply eliminating unskilled workers. Instead, he believed in fitting them into suitable positions to maximize their contributions.

D) hiring more inventive workers.

This choice inaccurately reflects the essence of scientific management. Taylor's focus was not primarily on hiring inventive workers but on improving existing processes and systems to achieve greater efficiency. The emphasis was on optimizing work rather than seeking out more creative talent.

Conclusion

The correct answer, doing work in a more productive manner, encapsulates the essence of Taylor's contributions to industrial efficiency. Other options fail to capture the primary focus of his theories, which centered around reorganizing labor and enhancing productivity rather than merely addressing workforce composition or tool development.