Correct Answer:
D. F.W. Taylor
The Scientific Management School of Thought revolutionized industrial efficiency and management practices in the early 20th century. This approach focused on optimizing productivity through systematic analysis of work processes.
- F.W. Taylor (D), Frederick Winslow Taylor, is widely recognized as the "Father of Scientific Management." His seminal work, The Principles of Scientific Management (1911), introduced concepts like time-and-motion studies, standardization of tools and tasks, and incentive-based pay, all aimed at maximizing output and efficiency.
- Herbert Simon (A) was a Nobel laureate known for his work on decision-making in organizations and administrative behavior, a different school of thought.
- Pfiffner (B) was a prominent scholar in public administration, but not associated with the origins of scientific management.
- Mary Parker Follett (C) was an influential management theorist known for her humanistic approach, emphasizing group dynamics, power-sharing, and conflict resolution, which contrasted sharply with Taylor's more mechanistic view of management.
Thus, Taylor's systematic approach to work design and efficiency laid the foundation for scientific management.