1(a) Describe the characteristics of scientific management approach.
b. List and explain two strengths and two weaknesses of the approach when applied to school administration.
a) Characteristics of Scientific Management Approach:
Scientific management, developed by Frederick Taylor, is characterized by:
- Time and Motion Studies:
- Emphasis on analyzing and optimizing work processes through detailed time and motion studies to increase efficiency.
- Standardization of Work Methods:
- Creation of standardized work methods to ensure consistency and efficiency in tasks performed by employees.
- Piece-rate Incentives:
- Introduction of piece-rate incentives to motivate workers by tying their pay to the quantity of work completed.
- Clear Division of Labor:
- Establishment of a clear division of labor, ensuring that each worker specializes in a specific task to enhance efficiency.
- Hierarchical Structure:
- Implementation of a hierarchical organizational structure with a clear chain of command for better control and coordination.
b) Strengths and Weaknesses in School Administration:
Strengths:
- Increased Efficiency:
- Explanation: Scientific management can enhance administrative efficiency by optimizing processes and standardizing procedures.
- Example: Streamlining admission processes to reduce waiting times.
- Clear Work Standards:
- Explanation: The approach establishes clear work standards, reducing ambiguity in tasks for school staff.
- Example: Clearly defined teaching methods for consistent classroom instruction.
Weaknesses:
- Overemphasis on Productivity:
- Explanation: Prioritizing efficiency may overlook the quality of education, focusing solely on measurable outcomes.
- Example: A narrow focus on exam results at the expense of holistic student development.
- Employee Discontent:
- Explanation: Piece-rate incentives may lead to dissatisfaction among educators if they perceive the system as unfair.
- Example: Teachers feeling demotivated if their efforts are solely tied to student test scores.
Evaluation
- Scientific management emphasizes optimizing work processes through _______________ studies. a. Financial
b. Time and motion
c. Market
d. Employee satisfaction
- Standardization of work methods in scientific management ensures _______________ in tasks. a. Ambiguity
b. Consistency
c. Creativity
d. Complexity
- Piece-rate incentives in scientific management tie pay to the _______________ of work completed. a. Quality
b. Quantity
c. Speed
d. Creativity
- Scientific management establishes a clear _______________ of labor for workers. a. Blur
b. Union
c. Division
d. Mix
- Hierarchical organizational structure is a characteristic of scientific management for better _______________. a. Creativity
b. Flexibility
c. Control
d. Collaboration
- The emphasis on analyzing and optimizing work processes is a key feature of _______________. a. Human relations approach
b. Scientific management
c. Contingency theory
d. Total quality management
- Piece-rate incentives in scientific management motivate workers by tying pay to _______________. a. Employee satisfaction
b. Quality of work
c. Quantity of work
d. Standardization of tasks
- Clear work standards in scientific management reduce _______________ in tasks. a. Flexibility
b. Ambiguity
c. Creativity
d. Complexity
- Scientific management is associated with a hierarchical _______________ structure. a. Matrix
b. Flat
c. Network
d. Organizational
- Scientific management focuses on creating _______________ work methods. a. Ambiguous
b. Standardized
c. Flexible
d. Complex
- A clear _______________ is established in scientific management for better coordination. a. Chain of command
b. Equality
c. Flexibility
d. Team structure
- In scientific management, the chain of command ensures a _______________ of labor. a. Division
b. Blur
c. Collaboration
d. Equality
- Scientific management is characterized by _______________ organizational structure. a. Matrix
b. Flat
c. Hierarchical
d. Network
- Time and motion studies in scientific management focus on optimizing work _______________. a. Creativity
b. Flexibility
c. Processes
d. Complexity
- Standardization of work methods in scientific management reduces _______________ in tasks. a. Flexibility
b. Ambiguity
c. Creativity
d. Complexity
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