Division of Labour: Meaning, Forms and Advantages | Economics

Let us make an in-depth study of the Division of Labour in Economics:-

1. Meaning of Division of Labour 2. Definition of Division of Labour 3. Essential Conditions 4. Different Forms 5. Advantages 6. Disadvantages 7. Remedies and Mitigation.

Meaning of Division of Labour:

Division of Labour means that the main process of production is split up into many simple parts and each part is taken by different workers who are specialised in the production of that specific part.

Now, a day’s production has become so technical and complex that different workers are put to different tasks according to their capacity and ability.

One becomes specialised in the production of those goods for which he or she is best suited.

Different workers perform different parts of production on the basis of their specialisation. The result is that goods come to the final shape with the co-operation of many workers. For example – In a large scale readymade garment factory, a man does cutting of cloth, the second man stiches clothes with machines, the third buttons, the fourth makes folding and packing etc.

This way of doing the work is called division of Labour, because different workers are engaged in performing different parts of production.

Definitions of Division of Labour:

(1) In the words of Prof. Watson – “Production by Division of Labour consists in splitting up the productive process into its component parts, concentrating specialised factor on each sub-division and combining their output into particular forms of consumption output required.”

(2) According to Hanson – “Division of Labour means specialisation of process.”

(3) According to Chapman – “The specialisation of works is called Division of Labour.”

Essential Conditions or Pre-Requisites of Division of Labour:

Complete success of division of labour depends on the following factors:

(1) Wide Market:

It is the opinion of the economists that Division of Labour will function well and its success depends on wide market. If there will be small market Division of Labour will not develop much. Division of Labour is mostly found in big factories, where commodities are produced on a large scale only then it will be possible to split up the job into different processes and to assign process to a different set of workers.

(2) Large Scale Production:

For the complete success of Division of Labour the goods must be produced on large scale. When there is large scale production more labourers will be employed and then Division of Labour will be possible in a nice way.

(3) The Quantity of Capital Available:

Sufficient capital is needed for a successful and better Division of Labour. Shortage of capital and money not available on time may help the company not to go for Division of Labour.

(4) Nature of Demand:

Some industries are of such nature that it is not possible to split up the work into distinct and separate processes. Here also the scope of Division of Labour is limited. Possibility of splitting up production is essential for Division of Labour.

(5) Organising Ability:

Division of Labour involves the employment of a large number of workers in one factory. To handle them properly and to assign to each worker a suitable job requires judgment of human nature of a high order. Hence, the entrepreneur must have the necessary ability to organise production on a large scale.

(6) Spirit of Co-operation:

If the workers are not co-operative. They are quarrelsome and cannot work together amicably, Division of Labour is out of question. There must be a spirit of co-operation, a spirit of compromise and a team spirit should exist. Without the spirit of give and take, Division of Labour cannot be introduced.

(7) Laws of Increasing Returns:

Where the law of increasing returns prevails, the possibilities of Division of Labour are greater, because production will be on a large scale.

(8) Availability of More Labour and Capital:

Division of Labour implies large scale production. Large number of workers is needed. Further Division of Labour and use of machinery go together, large amounts will have to be spent on machinery. If the required number of labour and capital are not forthcoming, Division of Labour cannot be extended and cannot be possible to the required extent.

(9) There should be Development of Means of Transport and Communication:

For the success of Division of Labour means of transport and communication must be developed. If there is development of means of transport raw-materials can be easily available and finished goods can be sent outside for sale.

Different Forms of Division of Labour:

There are four forms of Division of Labour, They are:

1. Occupational or Simple Division of Labour.

2. Division of Labour into complete processes or complex Division of Labour.

3. Division of Labour into sub-processes or incomplete processes.

4. Territorial or geographical Division of Labour.

1. Occupational or Simple Division of Labour:

This means division of people in society according to occupations or trades. In this each individual takes a particular type of occupation for which he is best suited. Thus, in a community some are teachers, some are doctors, some are merchants, brokers and soon. When the whole work of a particular production is carried on by the same worker, it is called a Simple Division of Labour.

2. Division of Labour into Complete Processes Or Complex Division of Labour:

When the entire work in production of a community is divided into different processes and each process is allotted to different persons it is called “Process Specialisation”. Under process specialisation there is division and each division or process is undertaken by one person, the Division of Labour so implied is termed as “Complex Division of Labour”.

Modern Mass Production is based on such Complex Division of Labour. For example—Shoe-making in a modern shoe factory involves Complex Division of Labour, where the upper portion of the shoe are prepared by one group of workers, while bottom portion are prepared by another group, stitching work by a third group and polishing, finishing etc. by a fourth group of workers.

In fact it may be noted that in a modern shoe making factory there are many processes, performed by different workers on different machines. This is the real Division of Labour which aims at increasing output.

3. Division of Labour into sub-processes or into Incomplete Processes:

When the complete processes are divided into sub-processes and then the work is completed then it is called Division of Labour of sub-processes. Here one process is incomplete without the help and co-operation of other process. This is also called “Personal Division of Labour.”

4. Territorial or Geographical Division of Labour:

This is also known as “Localisa­tion of industries”. Under this when a particular place or region is specialised in a particular industry or in the production of a particular commodity, it is called territorial or geographical Division of Labour. For example—Hosiery at Ludhiana, Cotton Textiles in Ahmedabad and Bombay, Jute Industry in Kolkata etc.

Advantages of Division of Labour:

Advantages of Division of Labour can be divided under the following heads:

1. Advantages to Producers.

2. Advantages to Consumers.

3. Advantages to Labourers.

4. Advantages to Nation,

Advantages to Producers:

Producers can derive following advantages from Division of Labour:

1. Increase in Production:

With the adoption of Division of Labour, the total production increases. Adam Smith has written in his book that the advantage of Division of Labour can be ascertained when a worker can produce only twenty pins daily. If the making of pins in a modern factory is divided in various processes, then eighteen workers can produce 20,000 pins in a single day.

2. Reduction in the Cost of Production:

Division of Labour increases production which reduces the average cost of production. Saving of capital tools and machinery etc. also help in the reduction of cost of production.

3. Maximum Utilisation of Machinery:

The Division of Labour is the result of the large scale production which implies more use of machines. On the other-hand, the Division of Labour increases the possibility of the use of machines in the small-scale production also. Therefore, in modern times the use of machines is increasing continuously due to the increase in the Division of Labour.

4. Large Scale Production:

Due to use of plant and machinery under Division of Labour production starts increasing which results in less cost of production. Less cost of production increases profit to producer.

5. Saving of Time:

There is no need for the worker to shift from one process to another. He is employed in a definite process with certain tools. He therefore goes on working without loss of time, sitting at one place. Continuity in work saves time and helps in more production at less cost.

6. Encouragement to Inventions:

In Division of Labour each work is divided into small parts which helps much in the invention of new things. In this connection Robbin’s has said—”By Division of Labour the work is divided in small divisions which helps much in new inventions.”

7. Production of Goods of Superior Quality:

Division of Labour is beneficial in making goods of superior quality. When the worker is entrusted with the work for which he is best suited he will produce superior quality goods.

8. Best Selection of the Workers:

Division of Labour helps the producers in the best selection of workers. As the work is divided into different parts and each part is taken up by such a worker who is more suitable for it, the producer can select very easily the man who is best suited for the work.

9. Increase in Profit:

Division of Labour gives more profit to the producer of the goods as the cost of production of the commodity diminishes.

Advantages to Consumers:

Following are the advantages which consumers get from Division of Labour:

1. Availability of Commodities at a Cheaper Price:

Division of Labour helps in mass production. Thus, production becomes less expensive and more economical. Therefore, cheaper goods are produced by manufacturers. Availability of cheaper goods for consumers improve the standard of living of the consumers and the people.

2. Better Quality of Commodities:

Division of Labour implies splitting up of production into a number of processes. Each person is given the job for which he is best suited. There will be no round pegs in sequence holes. In this way, a right man is placed at the right job which helps in getting better quality of commodities.

3. Increase in Consumer’s Satisfaction:

There are always the wishes of consumers to get best quality of goods at lesser price. Under Division of Labour consumer gets new quality goods at reasonable price which gives maximum satisfaction to consumers.

Advantages to Labourers:

Labourers get following advantages from Division of Labour:

1. Increase in Efficiency of Labour:

With the Division of Labour a worker has to do the same work time and again, and he gets specialisation in it. In this way, the Division of Labour leads to a great increase in efficiency.

2. Increase in Skill:

Division of Labour contributes to the development of skill to a great extent. Because with the repetition of the same type of work, he becomes well versed and specialized in it. This specialisation enables him to do the work in the best possible way, which improves his skill.

3. Increases Mobility of Labour:

Division of Labour facilitates greater mobility of labour. Here the production is split up into different parts and a worker becomes trained in that very specific task in the production of the commodity which he performs time and again. He becomes professional, which leads to the occupational mobility. On the other hand, Division of Labour implies a large-scale production and labourers come to work from far and near. Thus, it increases geographical mobility of labour.

4. Increase in Employment Opportunities:

Division of Labour further leads to the diversity of occupations which further leads to the employment opportunities. On the other hand, the scale of production being large, the number of employment opportunities also increases.

5. Best Use of Tools:

In this system, it is not necessary to provide each worker with a complete set of tools. He needs a few tools only for the job in which he can make their best use. Therefore, the continuous use of tools is possible which are used at different stage.

6. Work According to Taste:

Generally, it has been seen that workers have their own taste in production. For example – A person can take up that type of job for which he considers himself to be the most suitable and which is in accordance with his taste. Division of Labour extends the work to such an extent that every person can find work according to his taste and interest.

7. Saving of Capital and Tools:

Division of Labour helps in the saving of capital and tools. It is not essential to provide a complete set of tools to every worker. He needs a few tools only for the job he has to do. Thus, there is the saving of tools as well as capital. For example – A tailor stitches the shirt; he requires a sewing machine, scissors etc. But on the basis of Division of Labour one can do the cutting and the other can stitch the clothes. In this way two tailors can work with the help of one pair of scissors and one machine only.

8. Saving of Time and Expenses in Training:

Under Division of Labour a worker has to train himself in a small part of production. There is no need to learn the complete process of production. It ensures saving of time as well as expenses in training.

9. Development of International Trade:

Division of Labour increases the tendency of specialisation not only in the workers or industries, but in different countries also. On the basis of specialisation, every country produces only those goods in which it has a comparative advantage and imports such goods from those countries which have also greater comparative advantage. Therefore, Division of Labour is beneficial for the development of international trade also.

10. Spirit of Co-operation among Worker:

Division of Labour gives chances of working under the same roof and with the co-operation of each other. It further gives rise to the feeling of co-operation and trade unionism in their daily lives. The work cannot be completed unless they co-operate with each other. They help each other at the time of adversities as well.

Advantages to Nation:

Nation also is benefitted with the Division of Labour, Important advantages are:

1. Full Utilisation of Natural Resources:

Division of Labour in the country helps much in the full utilisation of natural resources, because large scale production is carried on.

2. Increase in the Number of Efficient-Organizers:

Division of Labour helps much in the earnings of profit, therefore, in India entrepreneurs are investing money and are helping organisation to establish well-equipped company.

3. It is an Index of Economic Growth:

Establishment of good organisation, earning more profit and distributing more bonus and dividend to workers and investors is an index and sign of economic growth of the country. Therefore, we can say that Division of Labour has contributed enough for the development and growth of an individual to company and organisation.

Dis-Advantages of Division of Labour:

Division of Labour has also certain demerits or dis-advantages which may be divided as under:

1. Dis-advantages to Producers.

2. Dis-advantages to Consumers.

3. Dis-advantages to Labourers.

4. Dis-advantages to Nation.

Dis-Advantages to Producers:

Producers derive following demerits or dis-advantages from Division of Labour:

1. Danger of Over-production:

Over-production means that the supply of production is comparatively more than its demand in the market. Because of the Division of Labour when production is done on a large scale, the demand for production lags much behind its increased supply. Such conditions create over-production which is very harmful for the producers as well as for the workers when they become unemployed.

2. Loss of Responsibility:

Many workers join hands to produce a commodity. If the production is not good and adequate none can be held responsible for it. It is generally said that “every man’s responsibility is no man’s responsibility.” Therefore, the Division of Labour has the dis-advantage of loss of responsibility.

3. Increased Dependence:

When the production is divided into a number of processes and each part is performed by different workers, it may lead to over-dependence. For example – In the case of a readymade garments factory, if the man cutting cloth is lazy, the work of stitching, buttoning etc. will suffer. Therefore, increased dependence is the result of Division of Labour.

4. Evils of Factory System:

The modern industrial or factory system has been developed as a result of the Division of Labour. This system further gives rise to the evils like dense population, pollution, class conflict, bad habits of gambling and drinking, low standard of living, poor food, clothes and housing etc.

5. Increased Dependence on Machines:

As Division of Labour increases there will be an increased use of machines. Almost all the workers work on different types of machines. It is very difficult for them to work without machines. Thus, Division of Labour increases the dependence on machines.

6. Administrative Difficulties and Industrial Disputes:

Industrial disputes mean strikes by workers, closure of factory, etc. due to clashes between the employees and the employers. This creates acute administrative problems and difficulties. Division of Labour results in the division of society into workers and employers.

The employer always tries to increase his profits by exploiting the workers and workers from trade unions against the employees to put an end to their exploitation or to make them increase their wages. It gives rise to a severe conflict between the employers and the workers in the form of strikes, closures and lockouts of factories.

Dis-Advantages to Consumers:

Division of Labour gives many dis-advantages to consumers and important of them are as follows:

1. Consumers cannot get Variety of Goods:

The worker deteriorates in technical skills. Instead of making the whole article of variety, the worker is required just to repeat a few simple movements. The skills with which the artisan once made the article products gradually dies out. He simply becomes a machines tender.

For example:

The weaver of Dacca muslin fame is now or more.

2. Division of Labour Kills Creative Instinct:

Since many workers contribute to the making of an article, none can claim the credit of making it. Man’s creative instinct is not satisfied. The work gives him no pride and no pleasure since no worker can claim the product as his own creation.

3. Dependence on Others for Satisfaction of Wants:

In olden days when Division of Labour was not developed then whatever articles a man was in position to produce he used to consume himself. But now-a-days the consumer is entirely dependent on others for the satisfaction of his wants.

Dis-Advantages to Labourers:

A labourer can have following dis-advantages from Division of Labour:

1. Monotony of Work:

Under Division of Labour a worker has to do the same job time and again for years together. Therefore, after sometime, the worker feels bored or the work becomes irksome and monotonous. There remains no happiness or pleasure in the job for him. It has an adverse effect on the production.

2. Division of Labour can Neither Give Pride nor Pleasure:

In the absence of Division of Labour, a labourer feels a lot of pleasure on the successful completion of his goods. But under Division of Labour no-body can claim the credit of making it. The work gives him neither pride nor pleasure. Therefore, there is total loss of joy, happiness and interest in the work.

3. Fear of Unemployment:

The danger of unemployment is another dis-advantage of Division of Labour. When the worker produces a small part of goods he gets specialised in it and he does not have complete knowledge of the production of goods. For example – If a man is expert in buttoning the clothes and if he is removed or dismissed from the job, it becomes difficult for him to find the job of building. Thus, Division of Labour has a fear of unemployment.

4. Reduction in Mobility of Labour:

It has been observed that the mobility of labour is reduced on account of Division of Labour. The worker performs only a part of the whole task. He is trained to do that much part only. So, it may not be easy for him to find out exactly the same job where else, if he wants to change the place. In this situation the mobility of labour gets retarded.

5. Creative Pleasure is killed:

Division of Labour kills the creative pleasure of producing an article because many men contribute to the making of an article, none can claim the credit of making it. Man’s creative instinct is not satisfied. The work cannot give him pleasure as no worker can claim the product as his own creation.

6. Lack of Responsibility:

In this none can be held responsible for bad production because none makes the whole article. When the result is bad everybody tries to shift the responsibility to somebody else. This adds to the difficulties of administration.

7. Exploitation of Labour:

As we are that Division of Labour is concerned with large scale production in big factories which are owned by the rich people. No poor worker can afford to start his own production. Therefore, they have to seek employment in big factories of rich people.

These employers pay fewer wages to them as compared to their marginal productivity, because there is no other alternative to the workers but to work at very low wages. Therefore, Division of Labour results in the exploitation of labour.

8. Employment of Women and Children:

Division of Labour results in the large scale production in which children and women are also employed. It is because a simple and small part of the whole task can be easily performed by them. Thus, the number of employed women and children increases. They are also exploited by the employers by paying them lower wages.

Dis-Advantages to Nation:

Sometimes nation also has to suffer due to Division of Labour.

Important situations are as follows where nation has to suffer:

1. Birth of Monopoly Situation:

In Division of Labour producer is the alone producer of goods and to increase his profit, he adopts unfair tactics.

2. Maximum Production Leads to Depression in the Country:

In Division of Labour if maximum production is done then depression in the country takes place and the bad effect of depression directly falls on social and economic situation of the county.

Conclusion:

Division of Labour is no doubt attended with a number of drawbacks. But the advantage has outweigh the dis-advantages. The evils can be minimised by shortening the hours of work and providing more leisure to the worker. It is no longer possible nor it is desirable, to do away with this system. Remember Division of Labour is beneficial to the workers, to the producers and to the society as a whole.

Remedies and Mitigation of Division of Labour:

Various dis-advantages of the Division of Labour can be mitigated or remedied as under:

1. Monotony of Work can be Avoided:

It has been observed that most of the monotony of work can be avoided when worker’s opportunities of vertical mobility in the occupation are increased through training imparted under Division of Labour.

2. Psychological Satisfaction of Work is to be Sacrificed:

In mass production when the psychological satisfaction of creative work is to be sacrificed, it is not every significant as compared to the physical satisfaction of increased income and consumption and high standard of living enjoyed by the worker as a result of the Division of Labour.

3. Risk of Unemployment:

Risk of unemployment causes frictional or technical unemployment due to mechanisation of the process. This may be short-term phenomenon. But, in fact, the Division of Labour in the long run increases employment opportunities within the firm or industry and in other fields also. For example – The increasing use of machinery will promote work and employment in the repair and spare parts industries of the country.

4. It Causes Lack of Responsibility:

Division of Labour causes lack of responsibility among the workers. But if proper checks are introduced, workers can be made more responsible to their job.

5. Increases the Mobility of Labour:

Division of Labour and the resulting specialisa­tion will not inhibit but, on the contrary increase the mobility of labour. Because to specialise in some alternative job will not take much time as the worker is required to learn only a part of the work. Moreover, the number of employment exchange centres may be increased by the government to enhance the occupational mobility of labour.

Limitations of Division of Labour:

Economists are of this opinion that the Division of Labour is very useful and beneficial to the workers, the entrepreneur and the society in general. But it has serious limitations. Its introduction and operation depends on certain conditions. Unless these conditions are fulfilled, Division of Labour will be either out of the question or will not be useful for the organisation.

1. Size of Market:

The demand for a commodity depends on the size of the market. A wide market constitutes a large demand for the product and a small market will obviously has a small magnitude of demand. Thus, if the demand is small, it will not be advantageous to produce it on a large scale and therefore, there will be less possibility of a complex Division of Labour.

On the other hand, a wide market calls for a large scale production, hence a greater possibility of extensive Division of Labour. A complex Division of Labour and large scale of production are possible only when there is a sufficiently large market to absorb all the supply of goods produced.

2. Nature of Product and Nature of Occupation:

Nature of product imposes another limitation. If the product is such that its manufacture cannot be split up into distinct process, no Division of Labour will be possible. Similarly, when a job is such which cannot be split into different processes, there cannot be Division of Labour. For example – In farming when there is time-gap between sowing and harvesting, Division of Labour is futile. Similarly in driving a car, there cannot be a Division of Labour.

3. Spirit of Co-operation:

Division of Labour can be successful when there is perfect co-ordination among different processes and full co-operation among workers. Without the spirit of co-operation and compromise or team spirit, Division of Labour cannot be effective.

4. Physical or Technical Limit:

Beyond a point of physical and technical limit, further Division of Labour is not possible. For Example – It is technically impossible to further break-up the processes of hammering or working on a sewing machine.

5. Ability of the Manager or the Entrepreneur:

A complex Division of Labour involves large co-ordination of work and extensive organisation and administration on the part of the manager or the entrepreneur. If this ability is lacking the system of Division of Labour cannot be sustained for long.

6. Machinery of Commerce and Transportation:

The extent of Division of Labour is also indirectly determined by the machinery of commerce and transport facilities in the country. The facility of transport, the banking system etc. help to an extent the market areas which determine the extent of Division of Labour.