Specialization and division of labour
Division of
labor is when the production process is divided into different tasks and each
worker performs one of these tasks.
Specialization- concentrating on a particular task or
job.
Example
Specialization and division of labor can be applied
in the production of pins. First worker draws out the wire, second worker straightens
the wire, third workers cuts the wire, fourth worker points the wire and fifth
worker grinds the wire at the top of receiving the head.
Advantages of specialization and division
of labor
· More
goods and services can be produced - when workers become specialized in the
jobs they do, doing the same work again and again increases the skill and speed
of the worker. It leads to increase in efficiency and output.
· Full
use is made of everyone’s ability- if the specialization and division of labor is used in the production there is greater chance that people will be able to
do those things at which they are best and which interest them the most.
· Save
time - If a person had to do many different tasks or operations then much time
would be wasted switching from one work to another.
· Reduce
wastage- using specialization and division of labour in the production makes
production process more efficient. This results in more efficient use of
resources available and reduction on wastage.
· New
ideas- when a worker focus on doing one task might lead to invention and new ideas
as worker may seek to find a way to improve the work they are doing.
· Allows
the use of machinery - As labour is divided up into specialist tasks it becomes
worthwhile to use machinery, which allows a further saving in time and effort.
Disadvantages of specialization and division
of labor
· Work
may become boring - A worker who performs the same task every day is likely to
become very bored. This may cause workers to lose interest in work and become
careless. It may affect the efficiency of the business.
· People
become too dependent upon each other - If one worker is absent and no one else
can do the job, production might be stopped.
· Reduce
the mobility of the workers – workers might have to gain additional training to
switch jobs. This makes difficult for workers to switch jobs.
· Products are all the same - The goods produced under using specialization and division of labour are usually turned out in vast numbers and share the same design. They are standardized.
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