What is the Difference Between Scientific Management and Administrative Management?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between scientific management and administrative management lies in their focus and approach. Scientific management, developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor, concentrates on optimizing individual efficiency and productivity, while administrative management, developed by Henri Fayol, focuses on task completion and organizational efficiency.
Scientific management theory:
- Considers employee efficiency
- Emphasizes work study and time study of workers
- Focuses on low-level management in an organization
- Aims to find the most effective way to complete tasks
- Stresses the importance of showing workers how to perform tasks
Some key principles of scientific management include replacing rule of thumb with science, harmony in the group, cooperation, maximum output, and development of workers.
Administrative management theory:
- Considers human and behavioral aspects of management
- Focuses on the activities like planning and controlling
- Encompasses a broader scope of management levels
- Developed by Henri Fayol in the early 1900s
Some key principles of administrative management include finding the best possible approaches for employees to perform, managers and employees having interaction with one another, and offering room for growth and advancement for employees.
In summary, both scientific and administrative management theories aim to enhance a positive workplace, but they differ in their focus and approach. While scientific management is concerned with optimizing individual efficiency and productivity, administrative management focuses on task completion and organizational efficiency. Balancing both theories can lead to a successful organization.
Comparative Table: Scientific Management vs Administrative Management
Here is a table comparing the differences between Scientific Management and Administrative Management:
| Aspect | Scientific Management | Administrative Management |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Efficiency and output | Organization and human behavior |
| Developed by | Frederick W. Taylor | Henri Fayol |
| Principles | 1. Replace rule of thumb with science 2. Harmony in the group 3. Cooperation 4. Maximum output 5. Development of workers |
1. Division of work 2. Authority and responsibility 3. Discipline 4. Unity of command 5. Unity of direction |
| Approach | Data-driven and process-oriented | Human-centered and organizational |
| Flexibility | Allows for options and flexibility | Less adaptable and rigid |
| Communication | Open avenues of social conversations | Hierarchical and top-to-bottom |
| Motivation | Efficiency and economic gains | Employee satisfaction and growth |
Scientific Management, developed by Frederick W. Taylor, focuses on improving efficiency and output by analyzing and refining workflows. On the other hand, Administrative Management, developed by Henri Fayol, emphasizes the organization and human behavior aspects of management. While both theories aim to improve management efficiency, they differ in their approach, flexibility, and focus on human factors.
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