This section of the syllabus requires HL students to understand the use of data to manage and monitor employees.

As work from home (WFH) has become the new normal for many people and businesses in the post-COVID era, a growing number of employers have started to make use of data to manage and monitor their employees as it may not be possible to accurately measure how much work is being done otherwise.

How do managers measure productivity of employees who work from home?

Digital Taylorism refers to the use of management information systems to monitor the behaviour and performance of employees. It describes the management approach that relies on digital technologies to improve productivity by managing and monitoring employees and the tasks they perform in the most systematic and methodical ways.

The approach comes from the works of Frederick .W. Taylor (scientific management) in the 1920s. Taylor used scientific methods (such as observations and time and motion studies) to determine the most efficient ways to increase output and improve productivity. In the same way, management information systems are used to provide insights into what employees are doing and how well they are doing it.

The difference between scientific management and digital Taylorism is that the former required managers to observe the work of employees, whereas the latter relies on computerised systems to do so. For example, a business can use digital technologies to track:

• How long an employee spends on a particular website

• What employees search for on their computers

• The contents of emails sent by employees

• How long a worker takes to complete certain tasks, such as production or delivery times

• The duration taken by employees on their rest breaks

• Absence and punctuality rates.

The vast amount of data generated from management information systems can be used to set performance targets for employees and to measure the extent to which an employee achieves these goals. MIS can be used to support and empower employees in terms of efficiency and productivity gains. For example, the data gathered can be used to provide the training needs of each individual in the workplace. Used appropriately, digital Taylorism can lead to increased operational efficiency and productivity as well as lower production costs for businesses.

However, digital Taylorism can also help manager to have greater command and control of workers. This is because the data and information generated can be used to monitor each worker's level of output as well as their productivity rate and level of efficiency in getting things done. In the worst case scenarios, workers can have their remuneration deducted or even dismissed if performance targets are not met.

 Watch this short commentary on the similarities of Taylorism in the 1930s and digital Taylorism of today. Whilst the video does not discuss the merits of digital Taylorism, evaluate the case for using automation, surveillance, and scientific management in the business world today.