Final answer:
Frederick Taylor emphasized efficiency and productivity in his contributions to scientific management, which involved optimizing production processes through standardization and eliminating wasteful actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Frederick Taylor's contributions to scientific management were significant because Taylor focused on efficiency and productivity. Taylor, a mechanical engineer, is well-known for creating the system referred to as "stop-watch management," which entailed the division of manufacturing tasks into short, repetitive segments. His principles, aimed to standardize work and improve productivity by eradicating unnecessary steps and motions, strongly advocated for the careful study and optimization of every aspect of the production process. While Taylorism did lead to increases in productivity and sometimes higher wages for workers, it was not without criticism, particularly for its disregard for worker autonomy and well-being.