Business theorists * Frederick Taylor's theory of scientific management developed techniques for improving the efficiency of the work process. * Based on a systematic study of people, tasks and work behaviour, Taylor's theory broke the work process down into the smallest possible units, or sub-tasks, in an effort to determine the most efficient method possible for completing a particular job.

* Taylor's method consisted of testing the completion of various tasks to determine the optimal amount of work that could be accomplished within a certain time period. * Taylor's management theory asserts that organizations should identify the best way to do a job, train workers to handle each element in a pre-determined manner (instead of basing their work on their own personal discretion) and set up an equitable system of rewards for improved productivity. * Taylor's theory brought numerous improvements to organizational management during a period when an autocratic management style was the norm. Some developments that resulted from the Taylor theory of management are these:

1. Significantly improved productivity;

2. Increased employee incentive;

3. Widespread improvements in quality control;

4. Better personnel practices; and

5. Greater cooperation between management and workers with a consistent application of Taylor s theory of management.
Mayo
* Elton Mayo (1880 – 1949) believed that workers are not just concerned with money but could be better motivated by having their social needs met whilst at work (something that Taylor ignored). * He introduced the Human Relation School of thought, which focused on managers taking more of an interest in the workers, treating them as people who have worthwhile opinions and realising that workers enjoy interacting together. * Mayo conducted a series of experiments at the Hawthorne