Management principles are not as _______ as principles of pure science.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Rigid
Option (1) Contingent — Incorrect. Management principles are contingent: how they are applied depends on the situation. So “not as contingent” would state the opposite of the truth.
Option (2) Flexible — Incorrect. Management principles are flexible. A manager can adapt them to the situation. It is science whose principles are fixed.
Option (3) Rigid — Correct. A principle of pure science, such as a law of physics, holds the same way every time. Management principles deal with human behaviour, which is never fixed. So they are not as rigid as scientific principles and must be applied creatively, as the situation demands.
Option (4) Discretionary — Incorrect. Management principles leave room for the manager’s judgement in applying them, so the sentence would again state the opposite.
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. …” |