Management principles are not as ________ as principles of pure science, because they deal with human behaviour.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Rigid
Option (1) Flexible — Incorrect. Management principles are themselves flexible: a manager can modify them when the situation demands. Calling them ‘not as flexible’ as pure science would deny this feature.
Option (2) Rigid — Correct. Management principles are not as rigid as those of pure science. They deal with human behaviour, which keeps changing, so they must be applied creatively to suit each situation.
Option (3) Creative — Incorrect. Management principles are applied creatively, because human behaviour keeps changing. So ‘not as creative’ would also be untrue.
Option (4) Contingent — Incorrect. Management principles are contingent: their use depends on the situation at a given time. Calling them ‘not as contingent’ would deny this feature too.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Principles of Management: The Concept … One may distinguish principles of management from those of pure science. Management principles are not as rigid as principles of pure science. They deal with human behaviour and, thus, are to be applied creatively given the demands of the situation. Human behaviour is never static and so also technology, which affects business. Hence all the principles have to keep pace with these changes. …” |