Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
Ashima completed her MBA from Sriram college in Delhi. She wanted to expand her family business of bakery products chain named 'Anmol bakers'. She was very influenced by the Principles and Techniques of Scientific Management, and she wanted to apply them in her business expansion.
Her main objective was to reduce the costs with increased output. To begin with, she wanted to develop a standard method which would be followed throughout the organization. So, she investigated traditional methods through work study and unified the best practices. The standard method, i.e. the best way of doing the job was then developed, taking into consideration all parameters right from the availability of raw materials till the final delivery to the customers. Ashima also believed that the employees in the organization should be scientifically selected and that adequate training for the employees should also be given to increase their efficiency. For this, she set up a training unit named 'Perfectionists' in Sonipat where employees were given the required training to increase their efficiency and learn the best method. At the factory, the ingredients making up bakery products were strategically placed to reduce the time taken for excess movements. The standard time and other parameters were determined on the basis of work study and Ashima rewarded the employees for meeting the standard output. Now, 'Anmol Bakers' has standardized processes, raw materials, time, machinery, product and working conditions that ensure the food they deliver to their customers has the same high standard of excellence and level of quality in every chain or franchise.
"She wanted to develop a standard method which would be followed throughout the organisation". Identify the principle of scientific management highlighted in this statement?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Science not Rule of Thumb
Option (1) Harmony, Not Discord — Incorrect. This principle is about good relations between workers and management, without conflict.
Option (2) Science not Rule of Thumb — Correct. Ashima wanted a standard method which would be followed throughout the organisation. She studied the old methods through work study and joined the best practices. The scientific method studies traditional methods through work-study, unifies the best practices and develops a standard method, which would be followed throughout the organisation. This method takes the place of rule of thumb, that is, work done by guesswork.
Option (3) Cooperation, Not Individualism — Incorrect. This principle asks workers and management to work together. It is not about one standard method.
Option (4) Development of each and every person to his/her greatest efficiency — Incorrect. This principle is about selecting and training workers well. It fits Ashima’s training unit, not her standard method.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Science not Rule of Thumb: Taylor pioneered the introduction of the method of scientific inquiry into the domain of management practice. We have already referred to the limitations of the rule of thumb approach of management. As different managers would follow their indigenous rules of thumb, it is but a statement of the obvious that all would not be equally effective. Taylor believed that there was only one best method to maximise efficiency. This method can be developed through study and analysis. The method so developed should substitute ‘Rule of Thumb’ throughout the organisation. Scientific method involved investigation of traditional methods through work-study, unifying the best practices and developing a standard method, which would be followed throughout the organisation. …” |