Definition of division of labour (worker specialisation)
Microeconomic Decision‑Makers – Workers
Division of Labour (Worker Specialisation)
Division of labour is the process of breaking down production into a set of distinct tasks and assigning each task to a specific worker or group of workers. This means that each worker becomes an expert in a particular activity, rather than trying to do everything themselves.
Think of a pizza shop:
- 🍕 Chef A only kneads dough.
- 🍕 Chef B only adds toppings.
- 🍕 Chef C only bakes the pizza.
- 🍕 Chef D only delivers the finished pizzas.
Key Benefits
- 📈 Increased productivity – workers become faster at their specific task.
- ⚙️ Higher quality – specialised skills lead to better results.
- 💡 Innovation – experts can find new ways to improve their task.
- 🕒 Time savings – less time spent switching between different tasks.
Illustrative Table
| Task | Specialised Worker | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Kneading dough | Chef A | 5 |
| Adding toppings | Chef B | 3 |
| Baking | Chef C | 10 |
| Delivery | Chef D | 7 |
Exam Tip Box
Exam Tip: When answering questions on division of labour, remember to:
- Define the concept clearly.
- Explain the main benefits (productivity, quality, innovation).
- Use a simple real‑world example (e.g., pizza shop, assembly line).
- If asked to calculate, use the productivity formula: output per worker = total output ÷ number of workers.
Quick Check
- ?? What is division of labour? – Splitting production into specialised tasks.
- ?? Why do workers specialise? – To increase efficiency and quality.
- ?? Give an example. – A bakery where one worker only kneads dough, another only decorates cakes.
Revision
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