What aspect of Scientific Management has been criticized by modern scholars?

The criticism of the mechanistic view of workers is central to the debate surrounding Scientific Management. This perspective treats workers primarily as cogs in a machine, emphasizing efficiency and productivity at the cost of human elements such as creativity, morale, and job satisfaction. Scholars argue that this approach oversimplifies the complexities of human behavior and motivation in the workplace.

By focusing mainly on task performance and the optimization of workflow, Scientific Management can lead to dehumanization. Workers become seen as replaceable parts rather than individuals with unique skills and needs. This perspective has been challenged by modern management theories that advocate for recognizing the psychological and social aspects of work, emphasizing the importance of worker engagement and the value of a more holistic view of human resources.

While teamwork, innovative technology, and participatory management are often associated with modern organizational techniques and can contribute to effectiveness, the criticism surrounding the mechanistic view highlights a fundamental limitation of Scientific Management's approach to human labor, placing it at odds with contemporary values in management that prioritize worker satisfaction and well-being.