Limitations (Criticism)/Disadvantages of scientific management || Business Studies|| Class 12 || NEB

From the Perspective of Employers:

1.      Price Increase: Employers see scientific management as an expensive method due to the need to invest in developing existing machines, changing the organizational structure, and standardizing materials, equipment, and working conditions. They consider the studies required for time, work, speed, and fatigue to be costly.

2.      Unsuitable for Small Organizations: Small organizations with limited financial resources may find it difficult to afford the implementation of scientific management methods.

3.      Time-Consuming Method: Employers argue that implementing scientific management involves changing old structures, conducting work studies, specialization, and standardization, leading to disruptions in production and potential profit reductions.

4.      Problem of Overproduction: Scientific management's focus on increasing production through differential incentives may lead to overproduction and a subsequent downturn in the market, which can negatively impact businesses.

From the Perspective of Workers:

1.      Speeding up of Workers: Workers criticize scientific management for prioritizing productivity without considering the physical, mental, and working conditions of the workers. The emphasis on pace and efficiency can lead to stress and health issues for the workers.

2.      Loss of Workers' Initiative: Workers feel that scientific management restricts their autonomy and creative initiative. They have to work under strict supervision and direction, which discourages the use of their knowledge and discretion, leading to monotony.

3.      Reduction of Employment: Workers protest against scientific management's labor-saving measures, as it can lead to job displacement and reduced employment opportunities.

4.      Exploitation of Workers: Workers view scientific management's efficiency-enhancing methods and differential incentive wage systems as exploitative, as they often don't see proportional wage increases despite increased productivity.

5.      Weakening Trade Unions: Scientific management's unilateral decision-making by employers on wages and working conditions weakens the unity among workers and undermines their collective bargaining power.

 

 

From the Perspective of Industrial Psychologists:

1.      Mechanical Approach: Industrial psychologists criticize scientific management for treating workers as mechanical instruments rather than recognizing their human qualities and individual capabilities.

2.      One-Sided Production Method: They argue that scientific management focuses excessively on production management while neglecting other vital aspects of management, such as finance, marketing, and accounting.

3.      Problem of Monotony: The high level of specialization and division of labor in scientific management can lead to repetitive and monotonous work, reducing workers' motivation and efficiency.

4.      Frustration: The lack of opportunities for workers to use their originality and creativity may lead to frustration with their work.

5.      No Best Way of Doing Work: Industrial psychologists contend that there isn't a one-size-fits-all "best" method for work, as workers' abilities, knowledge, and skills vary, making it challenging to find a universal optimal approach.