Which of the following best describes a core principle of Scientific Management?

The principle of standardization of work tasks is central to Scientific Management, a theory developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor in the early 20th century. This approach emphasizes the importance of defining and regulating procedures to enhance efficiency and productivity in the workplace. By standardizing tasks, organizations can achieve more consistent outcomes, reduce variability in performance, and ultimately enhance productivity.

Through careful analysis and measurement of work processes, managers can identify the best methods for carrying out tasks, determine optimal work tempos, and develop specific guidelines that employees should follow. This leads to a more organized workflow and allows for easier scaling of operations, as the standardized tasks can be replicated across various levels of production.

While employee satisfaction, team collaboration, and flexible job roles may contribute to a positive work environment and can also be valuable in certain modern management practices, they are not foundational principles of Scientific Management. Instead, the emphasis lies on systematic approaches to work processes to achieve efficiency, making standardization the cornerstone of Taylor's management philosophy.