Which method did Taylor advocate to improve efficiency?

Which method did Taylor advocate to improve efficiency?

• A. Job enrichment
• B. Flexible work patterns
• C. Time and motion study
• D. Team-based empowerment

Answer: (C)

Taylor’s approach to improving efficiency centers on scientific management: study the work itself to find the fastest and least wasteful way to perform it. Time and motion study is the technique he championed, where a task is broken into its basic elements, each element timed with a stopwatch, and every motion analyzed to remove unnecessary movements. The aim is to identify the one best method, standardize that method, and train workers to follow it, setting standard times to measure performance and drive productivity. Other ideas like enriching a job to boost motivation, offering flexible work patterns, or empowering teams focus more on motivation, staffing, or work design rather than the systematic measurement and standardization of tasks that Taylor emphasized.

Taylor’s approach to improving efficiency centers on scientific management: study the work itself to find the fastest and least wasteful way to perform it. Time and motion study is the technique he championed, where a task is broken into its basic elements, each element timed with a stopwatch, and every motion analyzed to remove unnecessary movements. The aim is to identify the one best method, standardize that method, and train workers to follow it, setting standard times to measure performance and drive productivity.

Other ideas like enriching a job to boost motivation, offering flexible work patterns, or empowering teams focus more on motivation, staffing, or work design rather than the systematic measurement and standardization of tasks that Taylor emphasized.