What are the Disadvantages of division of labour?

Division of labour suffers from the following drawbacks

1. Monotony in work:

A worker has to do the same small task again and again. Therefore, the job becomes boring and the worker loses interest in his work. Boredom and monotony create mental fatigue which ultimately spoils the quality of work.

2. Lack of responsibility:

A worker performs only a part of the total job. Therefore, no individual can be held responsible if anything goes wrong. It is very difficult to fix responsibility for defect in the product.

3. Greater interdependence:

Job, work processes and industries become increasingly inter dependent due to division of labour. Any problem or defect in one part may cause disturbance and dislocation in the entire process of production.

4. Loss of job pride:

Since every worker produces only a small part of the product, he cannot take pride in ultimate result. Loss of sense of job satisfaction reduces the involvement of employees.

5. Reduced mobility of labour:

Since every worker specializes in one type of work, he may find it difficult to procure a job in case of unemployment.

6. Retarded personality:

Repetition of the same task again and again leads to intellectual dullness. It kills the initiative and weakens the desire to learn. As a result the development of physical and intellectual personality of a worker may be retarded.

7. Decline in craftsmanship:

Division of labour and consequent mechanisation of work reduces the role of worker in the production process. The tradition of craftsmanship may decline and the creative instincts of workers may remain unsatisfied.

8. Pollution of environment:

Division of labour leads to large scale production in factories. This leads to pollution of air, water and land. Slums develop near industrial areas.