Scientific Management -vs.- the Hawthorne Studies free essay sample

Both styles have increased productivity as the end result, but the question remains which is the better method? Frederick W. Taylor,the man also known as the father of Scientific Management, wrote a book called The Principles of Scientific Management (1911). In this book he explained that â€Å"The principle objective of management should be to secure the maximum prosperity for the employer, coupled with the maximum prosperity for each employee. † Taylors’ explanation of how to make this happen is the basis for how many organizations are structured today. Taylor focused on time management as being a vital aspect to a company’s productivity levels. His studies broke down the process of production and analyzed how to effectively shorten the time each part of the process took. This increased productivity by making each individual part of the group maximize their output of productivity by its management teams recognizing the maximum potential of the system itself. We will write a custom essay sample on Scientific Management -vs.- the Hawthorne Studies or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Hawthorne Studies were performed between 1923 and 1933. These studies began an approach to management styles that focused mainly on the behavioral aspects of management. The first study was conducted at the Hawthorne plant of Western Electric and had some different results as to what was expected. The initial study was supposed to show the effects of changes in lighting and productivity. Workers were put into two different groups and the lighting was increased in one of the groups. To the surprise of the researchers the productivity level continued increase in both groups, this phenomenon is considered the Hawthorne effect, or the positive reaction of the employees based upon the fact that management showed their interest in the employees and their working conditions. DuBrin, 2007) It is my personal opinion that the scientific management method is more efficient. This method uses training, teaching, and development to increase productivity. I feel this method is more efficient because it seems to have more of a long term impact then the Hawthorne Effect. REFERENCES DuBrin, A. J. (2007). Fundamentals of Organizational Behavior. Mason, OH: Cengage Lear ning.