Question

Smith gives three reasons why specialization increases productivity. Which of the following reasons is not mentioned by Smith?

A) A worker becomes better at a task with practice.
B) A worker saves time by not having to move from task to task.
C) Specialization leads to innovation.
D) Specialization encourages workers to work longer hours.

Answer 1

Adam Smith argued that specialization increases productivity because workers become more skilled with practice, save time not switching tasks, and are able to innovate due to their in-depth knowledge. He did not suggest that specialization causes workers to work longer hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is inquiring about the reasons Adam Smith mentioned for why specialization increases productivity. Adam Smith, a pivotal figure in economics, identified several advantages of specialization in his work. Smith suggested that specialization allows workers to become more proficient at a task due to constant practice, leading to an increase in the speed and quality of their work. Another advantage is that workers save time by not needing to shift between different tasks, further enhancing productivity. Smith also noted that specialization fosters innovation because workers become knowledgeable enough to come up with new methods to improve their work. Among the options provided, the reason not mentioned by Smith as a result of specialization is that 'Specialization encourages workers to work longer hours.'