Question

The following points summarise the nature of principles of management:
(A) The principles of management are formed by experience and collective wisdom of managers as well as experimentation.
(B) The principles of management are intended to apply to all types of organisations.
(C) The principles of management are rigid prescriptions, which have to be followed absolutely.
(D) The principles of management are intended to establish relationship between cause and effect.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D)
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Hint:

Management principles are flexible guidelines, never rigid prescriptions.
Always eliminate statements claiming they must be followed “absolutely” or “rigidly”.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
Principles of management are broad guidelines designed to assist managers in decision-making and problem-solving.
Unlike physical science laws, management principles deal with human behavior and must be adapted to changing organizational contexts.

Step 1: Detailed Analysis of the Given Statements:
$\bullet$ Statement (A): True. Principles of management are developed through ongoing observation, practical managerial experience, and experimentation across organizations.
$\bullet$ Statement (B): True. They have universal applicability and are meant to be applied in all types of organizations, whether large or small, industrial or social.
$\bullet$ Statement (C): False. Management principles are flexible, not rigid prescriptions. Managers adapt them based on specific organizational situations and needs.
$\bullet$ Statement (D): True. They aim to establish cause-and-effect relationships, helping managers predict likely outcomes when applying particular actions.

Step 2: Elimination of Invalid Options:
Because statement (C) incorrectly characterizes management principles as rigid, any option containing (C) must be eliminated.
This rules out options (B), (C), and (D).

Step 3: Verification of Valid Set:
Statements (A), (B), and (D) correctly capture the nature of management principles.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct choice is option (A).