Developments in management thought since the publication of Frederick W. Taylor's The Principles ... more Developments in management thought since the publication of Frederick W. Taylor's The Principles of Scientific Management have taken the notion of "scientific" too seriously while overlooking the fact that Taylor's interest was aimed at using scientific principles to enhance management. Such a "misreading" of Taylorism leads to scientism and an overemphasis on the entailed rationality concept. In this article, we point to several "deficiencies" resulting from scientism. Management thoughts and research had suffered from such deficiencies over the past century. If researchers do not heed such concerns, these problems are likely to continue and undermine management practices and research in the future. We suggest two strategies to remedy these deficiencies, to cure scientism, and to return to Taylor's true interest in management. The first strategy relies on an "edification" philosophy that encourages managers and researchers to enhance their awareness and expand their understanding. The second strategy calls for managers and researchers to consider management not only as a science but also as an art. With broadened perspectives, the two strategies can give new meanings and life to Taylorism in the future.
Developments in management thought since the publication of Frederick W. Taylor's The Principles ... more Developments in management thought since the publication of Frederick W. Taylor's The Principles of Scientific Management have taken the notion of "scientific" too seriously while overlooking the fact that Taylor's interest was aimed at using scientific principles to enhance management. Such a "misreading" of Taylorism leads to scientism and an overemphasis on the entailed rationality concept. In this article, we point to several "deficiencies" resulting from scientism. Management thoughts and research had suffered from such deficiencies over the past century. If researchers do not heed such concerns, these problems are likely to continue and undermine management practices and research in the future. We suggest two strategies to remedy these deficiencies, to cure scientism, and to return to Taylor's true interest in management. The first strategy relies on an "edification" philosophy that encourages managers and researchers to enhance their awareness and expand their understanding. The second strategy calls for managers and researchers to consider management not only as a science but also as an art. With broadened perspectives, the two strategies can give new meanings and life to Taylorism in the future.
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