Economics – Microeconomic decision-makers - Workers | e-Consult

Organisation of Division of Labour in a Small Clothing Factory:

A small clothing factory could organise the division of labour into several distinct stages, each with a specific set of tasks. A possible structure might include:

Cutting Department: Workers specialise in cutting fabric according to patterns. This requires precision and skill in using cutting tools.

Sewing Department: Workers specialise in specific sewing tasks, such as stitching seams, attaching buttons, or assembling garments. Different workers might specialise in different types of stitches or garment components.

Finishing Department: Workers specialise in tasks such as pressing, quality control, and packaging the finished garments.

Advantages of this Organisational Structure:

• Increased Efficiency: Specialisation in each department leads to faster production times.
• Improved Quality: Workers become more skilled at their specific tasks, leading to higher quality garments.
• Easier Training: Training new workers is easier as they only need to learn a limited number of tasks.
• Better Coordination: Clear division of tasks makes it easier to coordinate production between different departments.

Disadvantages of this Organisational Structure:

• Monotony and Low Job Satisfaction: Workers may find the repetitive nature of their tasks boring and demotivating.
• Communication Problems: Communication between departments can be difficult, leading to delays and errors.
• Reduced Flexibility: It can be difficult to adapt to changes in demand if the production process is highly specialised.
• Potential for Errors: If a worker makes a mistake in one department, it can have a cascading effect on the entire production process.

Conclusion: The division of labour can significantly improve efficiency and quality in a small clothing factory. However, it's important to consider the potential negative impacts on worker well-being and the need for effective communication and coordination between departments. A successful implementation requires careful planning and consideration of the specific needs of the factory.