. Management principles focus on the one best way of doing things and are prescriptive. Do you agree? Give reasons.
Answers
Principles of Management:
The word principles mean a fundamental truth that can establish relationshipbetween cause and effect and also helps in thinking out a plan for an action. The principles help in predicting theresults expected to follow through a set actions undertaken and thus provide basis for a scientific action plan.
Meaning and Nature of Principles:
Meaning of management principles in simple word is that they form thebasis of all managerial actions through which desired goals needs to be achieved.By nature these principles are flexible and are more or less based on experiences and can adopt to changingsituations and problems and thus became the pillars of management as scientific process.
Characteristics:
The following characteristics will help in understanding the management principles:
(1)Management principles are based on analysis of management functions and smoother the practice of management.
(2)Management principles are descriptive and normative: Normative principles fix the norms for an actionwhereas descriptive principles give the description of behaviour of member of organisation.
(3)The Management principles have been formulated by early management practitioners in classical times andhave been refined from time to time.
(4)Management principles are the result of experience over the period and have proved themselves valid inpresent times.
Attributes of Sound Principles of Management
(1)It should be simple and workable.
(2)It should be consistent.
(3)It could be empirically tested.
(4)It should be serve as tool for complete understanding.
(5)It must be helpful as practical guide.
Need for Management Principles:
Management principles are needed for successful practice of managerialprocess. They help the managers to use the basic principles for decision making. They help the art of managementby suggesting as to how the things should be done to obtain the optimum benefits. These principles simplifymanagement practice by bringing out the core aspects of management activities for the good of the organisation.
Contributors to Principles of Management:
A number of management thinkers have contribute to thedevelopment of principles of management. Some of them are being detailed along with their contribution to theprinciples of management.
(a) Division of Work:
Division of labour helps specialisation and improve efficiency.
(b) Authority and Responsibility:
There must always be a balance between the authority and responsibility.
(c) Discipline:
Discipline at all levels is necessary for success of the organisation.
(d) Unity of Command:
Command from a single source of direction gives out better results and avoid conflictand confusion.
(e) Unity of Direction:
A set of activities having same objective should be under a single supervisor/manager.
(f) Subordination of individual interest to central interest:
The collective good and common interest of theorganisation must pervail upon individual interest.
(g) Remuneration of Personnel :
The remuneration of personal should be fair and to the satisfaction of the personnel.
(h) Centralisation :
Centralised authority does pose some problems therefore decentrali-sation is necessary toan extent and can be achieved through delegation.
(i) Hierarchy or Scalar Chain of Command :
A well defined hierarchy be planned and established.
(j) Order:
Order means placement of the people and arrangement of material in an organisation.
(k) Equity:
Equal treatment to all employees based on fair judgement.
(l) Stability of tenure of personnel:
An effort must be made to provide a stable tenure for all personnel aslong as they perform well.
(m) Initiative:
All organisation smust encourage initiative among its employees.