§ Simple tasks encourage the use of highly specific equipment, e.g. power wrenches that speed up the manufacturing operation.
§ Semi-skilled labour can be employed rather than highly skilled operatives.
§ Workers are only responsible for one process and so are able to develop a high level of expertise and increase their output per period.
Modern industrialised economies make great use of specialisation and the division of labour, but for organisations to gain the full benefits of these techniques they also employ another organisational device known as hierarchy. We will be examining this further when we discuss the distribution of authority, responsibility and accountability within the organisation.
Test your understanding 2
Suppose you are organising a student ball. What advantages could be gained by forming a committee to manage the process and ultimate event?
