Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is a noted problem with scientific management?

1. It increases labor costs

2. It leads to excessive workplace democracy

3. It often dehumanises work

4. It requires extensive training

The correct answer is: It often dehumanises work

The noted problem with scientific management often relates to how it can dehumanize work. This approach, developed by Frederick Taylor in the early 20th century, aims to improve efficiency by breaking down tasks into smaller, specialized components. While this can lead to increased productivity, one significant criticism is that it treats workers more like machines than human beings. By focusing heavily on efficiency and productivity, scientific management can strip jobs of their intrinsic rewards and creativity, reducing the sense of ownership and fulfillment that workers might experience. Workers are often viewed primarily as cogs in a machine rather than as individuals with unique skills and contributions. This can lead to decreased job satisfaction and lower morale, as employees may feel that their work is monotonous and lacks meaning. Furthermore, the emphasis on tight control and standardization can limit workers’ autonomy, reinforcing a manager-centric approach that may undermine cooperative teamwork and employee engagement. This aspect highlights a critical imbalance between management expectations and the human element of labor, ultimately illustrating the dehumanizing potential of a purely scientific management perspective.