Fordism & Taylorism

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Fordism and Taylorism, including definitions and important theories associated with each management style.

Taylorism

Also known as Scientific Management, a theory developed by Frederick W. Taylor focusing on optimizing work processes and improving productivity through scientific methods.

Scientific Management

A management theory that seeks to improve productivity by analyzing and synthesizing workflows, emphasizing efficiency and standardization.

Time and Motion Study

A methodology used in Taylorism to analyze the efficiency of workers by examining their movements and the time taken to perform tasks.

Fordism

A system of mass production and standardization developed by Henry Ford, characterized by the use of assembly lines and economies of scale.

Division of Labour

The breakdown of work into specific tasks, allowing workers to specialize and become more efficient in their roles.

Economies of Scale

The cost advantages that a business obtains due to the scale of its operations, with cost per unit decreasing as production increases.

Diseconomies of Scale

The increase in per-unit costs as a company grows beyond an optimal size, leading to inefficiencies.

Iron Cage

A term coined by Max Weber to describe a situation in modern society where individuals are trapped in systems based solely on efficiency and rationality, often leading to alienation.

McDonaldization

The process by which the principles of fast-food restaurants, characterized by efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control, begin to dominate other sectors.

Mass Production

The manufacturing of large quantities of standardized products, often using assembly lines and automated machinery.

Standardization

The process of making products consistent in quality, design, and features to streamline production and facilitate mass consumption.

Commission-based payment

A compensation structure where employees earn money based on the sales they generate, often seen in sales roles.