The Relevance of Scientific Management and Equity Theory in Everyday Managerial Communication Situations

Abstract

In this article, we take a look at why and how managers should communicate with their employees the value of scientific management and why it is still relevant today. Moreover, we will show managers how they should use communication to address employees ’ feelings of unfairness. Finally, we will present a hypothetical case example that will help make clear the main points of how managers should use communication to teach their present-day employees the value of Frederick Winslow Taylor’s principles of scientific management and how to use concepts from Equity Theory to confront employees ’ feelings of inequity in a modern business environment. The case will be followed with questions concerning the applicability of these two theories when managers are training subordinates, who are not college graduates, to do their work.