Question

Consider the contributions of early management thinkers to the field.

1. Robert Owen, a social reformer, is credited with emphasizing the human relations aspect of management by introducing welfare measures in his factories.
2. Henry Robinson Towne argued that management was an exact science and urged manufacturers to apply scientific and mathematical methods instead of opinions.
3. Charles Babbage is noted for introducing the differential piece-rate system, where workers were paid based on their efficiency, an idea later refined by F.W. Taylor.

• A. i only
• B. None of these
• C. ii only
• D. i, ii

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i only

• It was Charles Babbage, a Professor of Mathematics, who urged for the application of scientific and mathematical methods in manufacturing. Henry Robinson Towne advocated for a combination of engineers and economists in industrial management.

• While Charles Babbage did propose a bonus system tied to worker efficiency and company success, it was F.W. Taylor who developed and popularized the differential piece-rate system, which paid different rates based on whether a worker met a specific standard.