Evaluation of Taylor and Fayol’s Scientific

Management Theories: A Case Study of Botswana

Othusitse S. D. Phefo

R2005D10861356

Theories of Management

UU-MBA-712-ZM-25297

16 May 2021
The threat of waste and inefficiencies has always been and it is still a growing concern in
organizations such as Botswana Railways. The word scientific means systematic or methods and
in the context of management, the application of scientific methods and or techniques focus on
the selection, measurable output of work, and utilization of the required resources to enable
productivity (Oberoi, 2016; Taylor, 2004). In this regard, this study presents a case study of
Botswana Railways and discusses the principles of Scientific Management advocated by
Frederic Taylor and principles of administrative management advocated by Henri Fayol
(Edwards, 2018; Oberoi, 2016). In addition, the study also explores authors' theories and makes a
comparative analysis of their contributions.

Botswana Railways is a railway transportation organization that is led by a board of directors and
Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The organization has more than 1000 employees with different
skills set. The employees are appraised twice a year to evaluate their performance, hence
monitoring the overall organizational performance. However, the overall organization
performance score is either on the margin or below the margin. Also, some of its resources
including human capital are not well utilized and this generates a lot of expenditure leading to
the organization's current state of financial challenges.

As much said, Frederic Taylor (2004) introduced scientific techniques to solve issues similar to
issues at Botswana Railways. His scientific management increases productivity and ensures
quality products due to measures of standardization and effective supervision. Work activities
are simplified and carried out economically and efficiently. Further, scientific management is
instrumental in developing a healthy corporation between management and workers. It also
promotes higher wages for increased production hence more turnover for organizations and their
suppliers. Other benefits of Taylor’s scientific management are; proper methods of selection
and training of workers, provision of better working conditions, less production time, better
utilization of resources, and gains to consumers (Taylor, 2004).

The author also expressed the philosophy of scientific management by promoting the following
principles (Dean, 1997; Miller, 1976).
 1. Replace working by "rule of thumb," or simple habit and common sense, and instead, use
the scientific method to study work and determine the most efficient way to perform
specific tasks.
2. Rather than simply assign workers to just any job, match workers to their jobs based on
capability and motivation, and train them to work at maximum efficiency.
3. Monitor worker performance and provide instructions and supervision to ensure that
they're using the most efficient ways of working.
4. Allocate the work between managers and workers so that the managers spend their time
planning and training, allowing the workers to perform their tasks efficiently.

On the other hand, Henri Fayol’s administrative management focused on general management
and the overall control of the organization (Rahman, 2012). The contributions his theory includes
(Orlof & Rahman, 2010):
1. classification of business activities. Fayol suggested that industrial activities be divided
into six groups.
2. Elements of Management: planning, organizing, command, coordinate, and control
3. General Principles of Management
4. Qualities of Manager: Fayol stated that the business requires a basis in people who carry
out physical qualities, mental qualities, and moral qualities.
5. Managerial Duties of an Organization: To organize a business is to provide it with
everything useful for its functioning.
6. Command: the purpose of the command is to set the human organization in motion
towards its objectives.

Fayol (14 C.E.) gave a new perception of the concept of management and introduced a theory
that can be applied to all levels of management. He concentrated on accomplishing managerial
efficiency and created 14 principles of management which include (Fayol, 14 C.E.) focusing on
segregating work in the workforce amongst the worker to enhance the quality of the product,
authority and responsibility, discipline, unity of command, unity of direction, subordination of
individual interest, remuneration, scalar chain, order, equity, stability, and initiative.
Analyzing the two theories, Taylor’s work focused on the tasks rather than individuals who are
performing the tasks. Task allocation and time allowed to do the tasks leave no room for an
individual worker to think, it assembles workers to operate like machines. Taylor’s work
hypothesized that workers’ motive is solitarily income without realizing other factors that
influence performance.

On the other hand, Fayol observed management from the top down while Taylor worked at
management from the bottom up. Fayol was a top manager and was obviously in a better
position than Taylor to observe the functions of a manager. Fayol’s main concern was to improve
the management of total organization while Taylor concentrated on improving the management
of jobs. Therefore Fayol’s administrative theory has a wider application than Taylor’s Scientific
Management hence the best possible solution that can be adopted by management to solve issues
raised at Botswana railways.

To conclude, Both management theories have immense contributions to the field of management
Henry Fayol made an outstanding contribution to management thought. He made a clear
distinction between operational activities and managerial activities and highlighted the universal
characteristics of management principles. Taylor’s ideas, research, and recommendations
brought into focus technological, human, and organizational issues in industrial management. He
improved management methods by emphasizing the concept of work measurement. In the end,
Fayol’s administrative theory has a wider application than Taylor’s Scientific Management
hence recommended for organizations such as Botswana Railways

References

Dean, C. C. (1997). The Principles of Scientific Management by Fred Taylor: Exposures in print
beyond the private printing. Journal of Management History.

Edwards, R. (2018). An Elaboration of the Administrative Theory of the 14 Principles of

Fayol, H. (14 C.E.). Principles of management. URL: Http://Www Grandars

Miller, D. C. (1976). Taylor," The Principles of Scientific Management"(Book Review). Social

Oberoi, R. (2016). Frederick Wilson Taylor’s Scientific Management Theory. University of

Orlof, J., & Rahman, M. (2010). MediaWiki 1.1 Beginner’s Guide (D.Barnes, Chandiramani, &
A.B.Chamkeri (eds.); 1st ed.). Packt Publishing Ltd.

Rahman, M. H. (2012). Henry Fayol and Frederick Winslow Taylor’s Contribution to

Taylor, F. W. (2004). Scientific management. Routledge.