Three of the following are part of Taylor’s principle ‘Development of each and every person to his or her greatest efficiency and prosperity’. Which one is the odd one out?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Employees should be paid fair wages, which give them at least a reasonable standard of living.
Option (1) Each person should be scientifically selected, as the concern for efficiency begins at selection. — Part of this principle. Taylor held that the drive for efficiency starts at the selection of the employee, so each person is chosen scientifically.
Option (2) Work assigned should suit the worker's physical, mental and intellectual capabilities. — Part of this principle. After selection, each worker gets work that matches her or his abilities.
Option (3) Employees should be paid fair wages, which give them at least a reasonable standard of living. — Not part of this principle. This belongs to Fayol's principle Remuneration of Employees, which asks for fair pay within the company's paying capacity. It is about fair pay, not about selecting, placing and training the worker.
Option (4) Workers should be given the required training, so that they produce more and earn more. — Part of this principle. Training teaches the worker the best method. Efficient employees then produce more and earn more.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(iv) Development of Each and Every Person to His or Her Greatest Efficiency and Prosperity: Industrial efficiency depends to a large extent on personnel competencies. As such, scientific management also stood for worker development. Worker training was essential also to learn the ‘best method’ developed as a consequence of the scientific approach. Taylor was of the view that the concern for efficiency could be built in right from the process of employee selection. Each person should be scientifically selected. Then work assigned should suit her/his physical, mental and intellectual capabilities. To increase efficiency, they should be given the required training. Efficient employees would produce more and earn more. This will ensure their greatest efficiency and prosperity for both company and workers. …” “(vii) Remuneration of Employees: The overall pay and compensation should be fair to both employees and the organisation. The employees should be paid fair wages, which should give them at least a reasonable standard of living. At the same time it should be within the paying capacity of the company. In other words, remuneration should be just and equitable. This will ensure congenial atmosphere and good relations between workers and management. Consequently, the working of the company would be smooth.” |