Commerce WASSCE (SC), 2018

Question 1

 

  1. Explain two factors that limit the application of division of labour.
  2. State three disadvantages of division of labour.
  3. State five advantages of division of labour

Observation

Many candidates could not isolate the limitation from the advantages and disadvantages of division of labour. Others went on to write everything they no about division of labour which is not required in the question.

 

The expected responses are.

            1a.       Factors that limit the application of division of labour

  1. Size of market: The smaller the market for the goods to be produced, the smaller the scope for division of labour.
  2. Production method/Technology: If the method of production cannot be subdivided into various parts, the scope of division of labour would be limited.
  3. Nature of commodities: Production of customised goods and direct services does not lend itself to extensive division of labour.
  4. Non-availability of capital: Non-availability of sufficient capital to purchase materials and to pay salaries and wages will limit or discourage division of labour.
  5. Non availability of required skilled labour: This will make division of labour impossible.

                                                                                               
            1b.       Disadvantages of division of labour

  1. It takes away the discretion of workers thus making them mere tenders of machines/ loss of craftsmanship.
  2. It leads to monotony as a result of repetitive performance of a job.
  3. It exposes workers to the risk of being immobile among different jobs/ risk of unemployment.
  4. It may lead to non-accomplishment of some tasks because of the absence of certain workers/ interdependence of workers.

                       
            1c.        Advantages of division of labour

  1. Each worker is able to specialise in a productive activity that is his area of expertise.
  2. The worker acquires more skills through repetitive practice on the job.
  3. It saves time as workers are not moved from one job to another.
  4. It facilitates the use of machinery in production.
  5. It helps in creating employment opportunities as different people handle different parts of a job.
  6. It promotes friendly relationship as workers depend on one another.
  7. It leads to mass production of goods and services.
  8. It can promote new discoveries and inventions/ development of technology.
  9. It creates employment opportunities.