A Level Economics AQA Practice Exam

What is a primary advantage of the specialization of labour?

1. It increases the costs of production

2. It allows workers to become more efficient in specific tasks

3. It reduces the need for training

4. It ensures that all workers have varied responsibilities

The correct answer is: It allows workers to become more efficient in specific tasks

The specialization of labour is a key concept in economics that refers to the practice of focusing on specific tasks or jobs for workers, which leads to increased efficiency. When workers concentrate on specific tasks, they tend to become more skilled and proficient in those areas. Over time, this familiarity with their particular role fosters speed and accuracy in their work, which enhances productivity. By specializing, workers can also take advantage of learning curves; as they repeatedly perform a task, their performance improves, and the time taken to complete that task decreases. Additionally, specialization can lead to innovations in work processes and a more efficient use of resources, since workers can refine their techniques and share insights with others focused on the same tasks. In contrast, other choices either misrepresent the outcomes of specialization or overlook its core benefits. For example, while specialization does not inherently increase costs of production, it generally helps to lower them by improving efficiency. Similarly, while some training might be reduced due to workers focusing on a specific role, specialization typically requires training for those tasks to reach proficiency. Finally, varied responsibilities might benefit flexibility and skill development, but this can lead to inefficiencies when compared to the enhanced productivity gained through specialization.