It is not surprising that the scientific method of problem solving was applied to management over the years, but the components of management science and scientific management have never been clearly defined. In fact, there are many misconceptions.

Taylorism is not scientific management. Frederick W. Taylor pioneered and introduced many management concepts. He is credited with being the “father of scientific management” for his work started in the late 1800s. Many believe that scientific management consists of the concepts of time and motion study he introduced. Study has proven, however, that he merely applied his version of the scientific method for originating and for solutions, thus arriving at his conclusions or hypotheses. Scientific management should not be restricted to any one person’s techniques or to any one phase of management.

The Nature of Management Science and Scientific Management

The best explanation I found for what is required to classify management as a science is that of Ralph C. Davis, Professor of Business Organizations at Ohio State University. In his book The Fundamentals of Top Management (1951), he says:

A science may be any classified body of fundamental facts, principles, and techniques that explains certain basic phenomena, leads to the discovery of general truths and the operation of general laws. It may be “exact,” as in the case of the physical sciences, or “inexact” as in the case of the social sciences. A scientific method, in its simplest terms, may be any method that applies a logic of effective thinking, based on an applicable science to the solution of a particular set of problems. . . The literature of business is sufficiently well developed and extensive to permit business to be regarded as a developing field of science. It is, however, an inexact, applied science. It has its roots in the social sciences.

Imperfect, But Still a “Phenomenally Successful Process”

The method of applying the scientific method of problem solving (SM-14) to management is the best way recognized and is far superior to such ways and processes as:

Hunch or gut instinct Haphazard guess Common sense Superficial analysis Management by exception

Walk-around management Seat of pants Uneducated guess Rule of thumb Trial & error

Chaos Fad of the day Doing your own thing We always do it that way Quick fix

Everyone in business and industry should learn and use the SM-14 formula.