Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

What was a primary focus of Taylor's theory of management?

1. Maximizing employee satisfaction

2. Standardizing and improving labor effort

3. Enhancing team collaboration

4. Increasing employee autonomy

The correct answer is: Standardizing and improving labor effort

Taylor's theory of management, also known as Scientific Management, primarily focused on standardizing and improving labor effort. This approach aimed to enhance productivity and efficiency in the workplace by analyzing and optimizing workflows. Taylor believed that by breaking down tasks into their simplest components and analyzing the best ways to perform them, organizations could maximize output and minimize waste. He introduced principles such as time studies, work specialization, and standardization of tools and tasks, which collectively contributed to a more efficient production process. This focus on methodical management methods marked a significant shift in how work was organized, moving away from traditional, less structured practices to a more scientific and systematic approach. By focusing on these aspects, Taylor's theory laid the foundation for modern management practices and operational methodologies in various industries.