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Study of Fayol and Taylor


Both the persons have contributed to development of science of management. The contribution of these two pioneers in the field of science of management has been reviewed as “The work of Taylor & Fayol was, of course, especially complementary. They both realized that problem of personnel & its management at all levels is the key to individual success. Both applied scientific method to this problem that Taylor worked primarily from operative level, from bottom to upward, while Fayol concentrated on managing director and work downwards, was merely a reflection of their very different careers”. They both differ from each other in following aspects: -

  1. Taylor looked at management from supervisory viewpoint & tried to improve efficiency at operating level. He moved upwards while formulating theory. On the other hand, Fayol analyzed management from level of top management downward. Thus, Fayol could afford a broader vision than Taylor.

  2. Taylor called his philosophy “Scientific Management” while Fayol described his approach as “A general theory of administration”.

  3. Main aim of Taylor - to improve labor productivity & to eliminate all type of waste through standardization of work & tools. Fayol attempted to develop a universal theory of management and stressed upon need for teaching the theory of management.

  4. Taylor focused his attention on fact by management and his principles are applicable on shop floor. But Fayol concentrated on function of managers and on general principles of management wheel could be equally applied in all.

Similarity - Both emphasized mutual co-operation between employment and employees.

Spheres of Human Activity

Fayol’s theory is more widely applicable than that of Taylor, although Taylor’s philosophy has undergone a big change Under influence of modern development, but Fayol’s principles of management have stood the test of time and are still being accepted as the core of management theory.

Psychologists View Point

According to Psychologists, Taylor’s study had following drawbacks: -

  1. Ignores human factors - Considers them as machines. Ignores human requirements, want and aspirations.
  2. Separation of Planning and Doing.
  3. Dissatisfaction - Comparing performance with others.
  4. No best way - Scientific management does not give one best way for solving problems.

Basis Taylor Fayol
Human aspect Taylor disregards human elements and there is more stress on improving men, materials and methods Fayol pays due regards on human element. E.g. Principle of initiative, Espirit De’ Corps and Equity recognizes a need for human relations
Status Father of scientific management Father of management principles
Efficiency & administration Stressed on efficiency Stressed on general administration
Approach It has micro-approach because it is restricted to factory only It has macro-approach and discuses general principles of management which are applicable in every field of management.
Scope of principles These principles are restricted to production activities These are applicable in all kinds of organization regarding their management affairs
Achievement Scientific management Administrative management

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Authorship/Referencing - About the Author(s)

The article is Written By “Prachi Juneja” and Reviewed By Management Study Guide Content Team. MSG Content Team comprises experienced Faculty Member, Professionals and Subject Matter Experts. We are a ISO 2001:2015 Certified Education Provider. To Know more, click on About Us. The use of this material is free for learning and education purpose. Please reference authorship of content used, including link(s) to ManagementStudyGuide.com and the content page url.


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