Definition of Task as Used in Scientific Management. — The task, under Scientific Management, differs from the task under Traditional Management in that —
1. The tools and surrounding conditions with which the work shall be done are standardized.
2. The method in which the work shall be done is prescribed.
3. The time that the work shall take is scientifically determined.
4. An allowance is made for rest from fatigue.
5. The quality of the output is prescribed.
When to this is added the fact that the method is taught, and that the reward is ample, fixed, prompt and assured, the attractive features of the task under Scientific Management have been made plain.
Task Idea Applies to Work of Everyone. — Under Scientific Management there is a task for every member of the organization, from the head of the management to the worker at the most rudimentary work. This is too often not known, or not appreciated by the worker, who feels that what is deemed best for him should be good for everyone. The mental attitude will never be right till all understand that the task idea will increase efficiency when applied to any possible kind of work. With the application of the task idea to all, will come added coöperation.
Task Idea Applies to the Work of the Organization. — The work which is to be done by the organization should be considered the task of the organization, and this organization task is studied before individual tasks are set. The methods used in determining this organization task are analysis and synthesis, just as in the case of the individual task.
Individual Tasks Are Elements of Organization Task. — The individual tasks are considered as elements of the organization task. The problem is, to determine the best arrangement of these individual tasks, the best schedule, and routing. The individual task may be thought of as something moving, that must be gotten out of the way.