To question whether scientific management is underestimated in the organisation of modern businesses is to misjudge the complexity of modern-day work practices. As scientific management is simply defined as 'an approach ...emphasising the scientific study of work methods to improve worker efficiency' (Management: A Pacific Rim Focus, 2001, p.36), it can be concluded that such a simplistic, inhumane approach does not belong in the 21st century.
A much broader theory is the classical viewpoint, 'a perspective on management emphasising finding ways to manage work and organisations more efficiently' (Management: A Pacific Rim Focus, 2001, p.36). This definition, providing guidelines that are less rigid and restrictive, is perhaps more likely to be accepted into the modern workplace.
For the effectiveness of scientific management to be analysed entirely, both the advantages and disadvantages must be examined and evaluated. The positive aspects of this theory when applied, are increased production and efficiency, and, theoretically, 'maximum prosperity for the employer, coupled with maximum prosperity for each employee' (The Principles of Scientific Management, 1911, p.3) The problem is that scientific management can also lead to 'overspecialised jobs, resulting in worker resentment, monotony, poor quality, absenteeism and turnover' (Management: A Pacific Rim Focus, 2001, p.37). …
