How does Scientific Management view the relationship between management and labor?

Scientific Management, developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor, fundamentally reshapes the understanding of the relationship between management and labor by advocating for a structured division of labor. This theory posits that management is responsible for planning and organizing work, while labor is tasked with executing these plans.

By delineating specific roles, Scientific Management aims to enhance efficiency and productivity. Managers analyze workflows, establish standard operating procedures, and optimize tasks to streamline the production process. Workers, on the other hand, are trained to perform their designated tasks with precision and speed, following the guidelines set forth by management.

This approach contrasts significantly with ideas of equal partnership or fluid role definitions, which would suggest a more collaborative or interchangeable dynamic between labor and management. Scientific Management's focus is on specialization and efficiency rather than collaborative decision-making or autonomy for workers. Therefore, the structured division of responsibilities reinforces the hierarchical nature of the relationship, with clear distinctions between the planning done by management and the execution conducted by labor.