Principle: SCIENCE, NOT RULE OF THUMB.

Rule of Thumb is the basic principle of scientific management as formulated by Taylor. The idea of scientific management originates from science and as is this principle. For managing activities in a scientific manner we have to start with understanding, analyzing and applying scientific methods and techniques. This principle is all about the use and application of scientific methods and techniques in performing the activities.

‘Rule of Thumb’ means the application of traditional methods or the methods decided by the manager based on his past experience. All these methods are often untested and unscientific; they do not guarantee a specific result or outcome. In an organization, the rule of thumb can be seen as ‘the dictatorship of the manager’ which should be avoided.

In this principle, Taylor states that there must be thinking before doing i.e ‘Trail and Error Method’ or ‘Hit and Miss Method’ should be avoided, instead scientific and researched methods should be adopted for performing any activity. Taylor insists on the use of scientific techniques, which are based on cause and effect relationship so that the objectives can be achieved in a better way with the available resources, skills and budget. Thus, the emphasis is on scientific decision making based on cause and effect and the scientific measurements of the methods.

Positive impacts of this principle:

1.   Standardized results;

2.   Guarantee a specific result or outcome;

3.   Objectives can be achieved in a better way;

4.   Better utilization of available resources, skills and budget.