Scientific management is an approach that involves using scientific methods - based on proven fact rather than on tradition, rule of thumb, guesswork, precedent, personal opinion, or hearsay and is in opposition to traditional management. (Taylor 1911/1967 cited in Locke,1982, p14). Scientific management is very important when talking about business activities and performing managerial jobs efficiently. But there are still a number of criticisms concerning whether Taylor’s theory can exactly describe the job of managers and be used in today’s management. This essay will first discuss negative articles which aim to show that scientific management do not suit contemporary organisations. Following this, it will discuss some affirmative articles which argue the opposing position. Finally, it will give a conclusion as to whether Locke’s opinion is suitable for the developments of recent times.

The scientific management decision making of Taylor has played a pivotal role in managerial practice in the 20th century (Wren 2011). But at the same time, increasing numbers of management authors doubt whether the availability of scientific management is still effective in today's organizations. They argue, for instance, that Taylor violated his own principles of scientific management in many instances. In the case of Bethlehem Steel Plant time studies were not systematically followed for paying the workers. Instead, Taylor used Gantt's task and bonus remuneration scheme (Taylor 1903, 1911 cited in Taneja 2011 p65). Further, Taylor is accused of not paying attention to human factors. Today's society places more emphasis on human rights. Theories which lack human rights considerations will inevitable lead to a variety of legal disputes.

America fully utilized Taylor's actions and practices breaking away from the economic depression which occurred between 1875 and 1895.After