The correct answer is: C. It is outdated as a theory and cannot be applied in today’s modern organisation.
Scientific management is a theory of management that analyzes and optimizes workflows. Its core principles include:
- Division of labor: Tasks are divided into smaller, more specialized tasks that can be performed more efficiently by workers.
- Standardization: Work processes are standardized to ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Scientific selection and training of workers: Workers are selected and trained based on their skills and abilities, and are then given specific tasks to perform.
- Management control: Managers use scientific methods to plan, organize, and control work processes.
Scientific management was developed in the early 20th century by Frederick W. Taylor. It was based on his observations of workers in factories, and his belief that work could be made more efficient through careful analysis and planning.
Scientific management was initially very successful, and it led to significant increases in productivity. However, it also led to a number of problems, including:
- Dehumanization of work: Scientific management often led to workers being treated as machines, rather than as human beings.
- Loss of control over work: Workers had little control over their work, and were often subject to strict rules and regulations.
- Alienation from work: Workers often felt alienated from their work, and did not see any meaning or purpose in it.
In recent years, scientific management has come under increasing criticism. It is seen as being outdated and dehumanizing, and it is not well-suited to the needs of today’s modern organizations.
However, some aspects of scientific management are still relevant today. For example, the idea of dividing work into smaller tasks can be helpful in improving efficiency. And the idea of using scientific methods to plan and organize work can be helpful in improving quality.
Overall, scientific management is a complex theory with both positive and negative aspects. It is important to understand its strengths and weaknesses in order to decide whether or not it is appropriate for use in a particular situation.