Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Contingent
Option (1) Contingent — Correct. Contingent means dependent. How a principle is applied depends on the prevailing situation at a particular point of time, so it has to be changed as requirements change. For example, what is fair pay depends on the employee’s contribution, the employer’s paying capacity and the going wage rate.
Option (2) General guidelines — Incorrect. This feature means the principles guide action but give no readymade, straitjacket solutions to every problem, because real business situations are complex and keep changing.
Option (3) Universally applicable — Incorrect. This feature means the principles are meant for all types of organisations: business and non-business, small and large, public and private, manufacturing and services. It is about where principles apply.
Option (4) Mainly behavioural — Incorrect. This feature means the principles aim at influencing the behaviour of human beings. It is about whose behaviour principles target.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(vii) Contingent: The application of principles of management is contingent or dependent upon the prevailing situation at a particular point of time. The application of principles has to be changed as per requirements. For example, employees deserve fair and just remuneration. But what is just and fair is determined by multiple factors. They include contribution of the employee, paying capacity of the employer and also prevailing wage rate for the occupation under consideration. …” |