Advantages and Disadvantages of Work Sampling Method

Advantages of Work Sampling

The benefits or advantages of work sampling method are as follows:

Image credits © Prof. Mudit Katyani.

1. Work sampling gives an unbiased result since workmen are not under close observation.
2. A work sampling study may be interrupted at any time without affecting the results.
3. Work sampling can be conducted by anyone with limited training. There is no need to have experts.
4. Team work can be studied by work sampling and not by the time-study.
5. Work sampling is economical and less time-consuming than time study. This is because more than one worker can be studied at the same time. Secondly, observer needs not to be present himself for a long time.

Disadvantages of Work Sampling

The limitations or disadvantages of work sampling method are as follows:

Image credits © Prof. Mudit Katyani.

1. Work sampling is not economical for short cycle jobs. It is also uneconomical to study a single worker or even small group of workers.
2. Unlike time study, it does not allow a small breakdown of activities and delays.
3. Working men may change their normal method of working when they see an observer. Therefore, the results from the work study may not be accurate.
4. In work sampling method, the observations are limited or insufficient. So, the results may not be accurate.
5. This method normally does not record the workers' speed of working.