Thomas Friedman authored a bestselling book the world is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century detailing the status of globalization in the beginning of the 21ST Century. The author uses the title (the world is flat) as a metaphor to insinuate the level playing ground created by globalization in the context that all competitors have equal opportunity. The book also proposes three eras of globalization
Taylorism describes the decision making actions based on quantitatively researched data. The pioneer of this model Fredrick Winslow advocated for identification of ways that would reduce costs while also improving on efficiency. Fordism is an application of Taylorism whereby, scientific management techniques are applied in the production process.
Week_Activity-Ford and Taylorism
Fredrick Winslow Taylor introduced the theory of Scientific Management. The core argument advocated by the theory was to apply scientific approach to human labor. His argument was based on the notion that the worker’s achievement should be optimized through inspection management. He argued that workers had the ability to produce more efficiently than they were doing at that time. The assumption was that the workers performance would be enhanced by a proper prescription of the work. This meant that workers would be assigned specific work according to their strengths and capabilities. Practically, the management was tasked with analyzing and overall planning of the work with an intention of developing the most optimum way of work mastering. Taylor also posited that productivity would be increased if unnecessary movement of workers would be reduced. In a summary, Taylor introduced aspects of systematic observation, optimization and employee performance measurement (Wright, 1993).
Henry Ford was the first to apply scientific management techniques in his auto-making factory. At the time, the factory was producing model T car whereby it sold more than 10000 units in the first year of production. However, it took a long time for the workers to assemble the car because they were assembling the products slowly and cautiously by hand. In order to increase productivity, Henry Ford applied Taylors Scientific Management theory by dividing the production process into monotonous repetitive steps that were uncomplicated and easy to learn. This ensured that all workers irrespective of their skill levels would be involved in production. He also ensured that workers performed effectively by measuring their performance using a stop watch.
In 1913, Ford introduced the idea of assembly line. Instead of workers walking around to bring products for assembling, the product would move past the workers and they would fix the parts as it moved in a line. The assembly line started to be used in all of the Ford’s factories and production increased leading to massive profits. However, the pace at which production was operating made the workers tired and bored and most of them were either absent or decided to quit. Due to the high profits, Henry Ford could still afford to double the payment to workers with a new system of high pay based on hard work.
Some of the management techniques introduced by Taylor and Ford are still relevant in modern production systems. One of the major features of Fordism and Taylorism is division of labor. This concept is applied by dividing different tasks to workers and assigning them specific skills. Division of labor is aimed at boosting production leading to specialization while also deskilling workers. This concept is still relevant in many production processes in organizations. Another concept is scientific management which was advanced by Henry Ford. This concept analyzes work processes, and then the managements dictate the work to be undertaken by specific workers. This concept introduced the popular “job plan” that assesses and breaks down the simplest way that a job can be done. Measurement of work performance is constantly being applied by companies to measure effectiveness.
Taylorism also introduced the assembly line technology that was used by Toyota and other automobile companies. This technology involved moving the products past the workers whereby parts of the car were placed. This concept led to massive production of automobiles and resulted to massive profits. This was made possible by reduced time of completing the tasks. This concept has also been applied by manufacturing industries whereby products are moved in a conveyor belt and the workers perform their functions across the line.
Week _Activity-Thomas Friedman
Thomas Friedman in his bestselling book the world is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century provides interesting insights on Globalization. He alludes that the world has been flattened by forces of globalization such that historical and geographical boundaries have become insignificant. Thomas Friedman analyzes the three eras that he calls Globalization 1.0, Globalization 2.0 and Globalization 3.0. He categorizes Globalization 1.0 as the period of 1492-1800 that was characterized by countries moving out for resources and conquest. According to his assessment, this period shrunk the world from large to medium size. The second era from 1800-2000 which he calls Globalization 2.0 was characterized by companies expanding beyond territories searching for markets for their products and also labor for enhancing their production. This era shrunk the world from medium sized to small size. He further argues that the period from 2000 which he calls Globalization 3.0 is shrinking the world from small to tiny. He alludes that this era is flattening the world by leveling the playing field for commerce all over the world (Friedman, 2005).
Thomas Friedman points out terrorism especially 9/11 as a negative consequence of globalization. He explains about the individual actions of an individual Osama bin Laden taking on a country such as the United States and going to war. He also points out at the reaction by the United States to use expensive missiles and technology to flash out Osama from his hideout. These actions reveal the individual’s and small groups’ capacity in the modern era of globalization to influence the world negatively. Another drawback of flat world is computer hacks and related cyber crimes. In this era whereby information is available in the World Wide Web, it is easier for individuals to access information of people around the world without having to travel Individuals have now become powerful and they have the ability to influence markets and states than ever experienced.
The iron rule is a reality in this era of information technology and with the internet; it is much easier, faster and affordable for individuals to access information and apply it in whatever way. Friedman alludes that the flattening of the world has led to a situation whereby individuals have to be connectors, collaborators and competitors with other individuals in the world. The iron rule alleges that through development of technology and technology, whatever that can be done is bound to happen either “by you” or “to you.” Thomas Friedman was proposing that information is now available to everyone in the world and therefore, technology development and innovation is inevitable.
The level of globalization might not be uniform all over the world because of barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, illiteracy and other hindrances. However, with time, the world is going to be inexorably intertwined in a web that will make the world look like a small village.
Summary
Taylorism introduced the concept of scientific management which was later developed by Henry Ford. This theory utilizes effectiveness in production systems by ensuring that workers perform to the best of their potential. The theory was used to measure performance of workers, optimize production and deskilling of workers. Henry ford applied these techniques to great effect. Taylorism facilitated production systems, boosted sales and optimized workers performance levels. Henry Ford also developed the assembly line technology.
Thomas Friedman came up with the three eras of globalization. He explained globalization 1.0 as that of 1492-1800s that was characterized by countries being involved in conquest. This era shrunk the world from big to medium. The second era from 1800-2000 was for the companies seeking for markets and labor. This shrunk the world from medium to small. The third era, 3.0 from 2000 and beyond shrunk the world from companies to individuals and small groups. He also introduced the notion of flat world and the iron rule of the world.
References
Friedman, T. (2005, April 3). Its a Flat World, After All. Retrieved August 23, 2018, from https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/03/magazine/its-a-flat-world-after-all.html
Wright, C. (1993). Taylorism Reconsidered:The Impact of Scientific Management within the Australian Workplace . Australia Society for the study of labour history, Inc , 34-53.
Videos
[United Way of Greater New Haven] (2008, August 22) Thomas Friedman’s Three Eras of Globalization.
Retrieved from;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp4znWHvsjU
[United Way of Greater New Haven] (2008, August 22) What Thomas Friedman Means when he says “The World is flat”
Retrieved from
[ryngoksu] (2008, May 27) Ford and Taylor Scientific Management (Edited)
Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PdmNbqtDdI
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