Which of the following is NOT true about ‘management as a science’?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → Principles of management are universally applicable without any modification.

Option (1) Principles of management are universally applicable without any modification. — Not true about management as a science (Correct). Management principles are not as exact as the principles of science, so their use is not universal. They have to be modified according to the situation.
Option (2) Principles of management have been developed on the basis of experimentation and observation of managers. — True about management as a science (Incorrect). Management principles have evolved over time through repeated experimentation and observation in different organisations.
Option (3) Management draws on other disciplines such as Economics, Sociology, Psychology and Mathematics. — True about management as a science (Incorrect). Management draws on other disciplines such as Economics, Sociology, Psychology and Mathematics.
Option (4) Management has a systematized body of knowledge. — True about management as a science (Incorrect). Management has its own theory, principles and vocabulary, built up over a period of time.

NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Management as a Science … (i) Management has a systematised body of knowledge. It has its own theory and principles that have developed over a period of time, but it also draws on other disciplines such as Economics, Sociology, Psychology and Mathematics. …”

“(ii) The principles of management have evolved over a period of time based on repeated experimentation and observation in different types of organisations. However, since management deals with human beings and human behaviour, the outcomes of these experiments are not capable of being accurately predicted or replicated. Therefore, management can be called an inexact science. …”

“(iii) Since the principles of management are not as exact as the principles of science, their application and use is not universal. They have to be modified according to a given situation. However, they provide managers with certain standardised techniques that can be used in different situations. …”