The document defines division of labour as breaking down the production process into a series of tasks. Some advantages are that workers improve skills by repeating tasks, time is saved by not switching tasks, and machinery allows certain tasks to be automated. However, disadvantages are that work becomes monotonous, workers find it hard to transition to new roles, and delays in one task can bottleneck the whole process.

1. Division of labour
Prepared by Sandrea Butcher

2. Objectives
 Define the term ‘division of labour’
 Outline the advantages and disadvantages of the division of labour

3. What is the division of labour?
 This occurs when the production process is broken up into a series of tasks.
 For example, at a school teaching is divided into year levels.

4. Advantages

5. 1. A worker who performs the same task
repeatedly will improve skills
 A worker will become competent when practicing the same task over time

6. 2. Time saving
 Since workers will not have to switch between tasks, time will be saved.

7. 3. Workers can choose the task for which
they have the greatest ability
 This means that there is greater efficiency in the allocation of human resources

8. 4. The use of machinery becomes possible
which can be utilized for a limited ranges of
tasks
Panel cutting machine at an American
football factory

9. 5. Output will increase over time

10. Disadvantages

11. 1. Work becomes monotonous
 Repeating the same task over time can become boring

12. 2. Workers find it difficult to find other jobs
which do not require the skill that they currently
possess
 Since workers concentrate on a limited range of tasks, it becomes harder to find
other jobs.

13. 3. The worker loses pride in the finished product
since he/she is just a part of the process
What is the
point of me
doing this?

14. 4. The interdependence of the process implies
that if one task is delayed bottlenecks could be
created
 If a machine breaks down at a particular task, the output of
the task prior to that will not be further processed
 Other subsequent tasks will be delayed.