Principles of Management

The principles of management are not rigid; they can be modified by the manager when the situation demands. Hence, their nature is flexible.

The main objective of time study is to find the standard time required to complete a well-defined job. This helps in deciding the number of workers, fixing incentives, and estimating labour cost.

Cooperation, not individualism is the principle that extends Taylor’s idea of “harmony, not discord.” Both management and workers should cooperate instead of competing.

Any two causes mentioned in the chapter are acceptable, such as long working hours and bad working conditions. Other causes include unsuitable work and uncordial relations with the boss.

Since the firm gave the new employees one year to prove themselves after rigorous selection, it followed the principle of stability of personnel—keeping employees at a post for a minimum fixed tenure.

Taylor used the differential piece wage system to distinguish between efficient and inefficient workers by paying different wage rates according to performance.

Unity of Command means one employee should receive orders from and be responsible to only one superior. It is useful because it avoids dual subordination, reduces confusion, maintains discipline, and ensures clear responsibility.

Scientific management means knowing exactly what workers should do and ensuring that they do it in the best and cheapest way through scientific study, standardised methods, and trained personnel.

Any three principles are:
1. Science, not rule of thumb
2. Harmony, not discord
3. Cooperation, not individualism
4. Development of each person to his/her greatest efficiency and prosperity

(Any three of these are correct.)

The violated principle is Order. It means people and materials must be in suitable places at appropriate time. If the right place is not provided for physical and human resources, there will be hindrance in work, less productivity, and lower efficiency.

Any four points from the significance of principles of management are:

1. Providing useful insights into reality: They help managers understand real situations and learn from past mistakes.
2. Optimum utilisation of resources and effective administration: They help use human and material resources properly and reduce wastage.
3. Scientific decisions: They support objective, logical and bias-free decision-making.
4. Meeting changing environment requirements: They are flexible and help managers adapt to changing business conditions.
5. Fulfilling social responsibility: They guide businesses to behave ethically and meet social responsibilities.
6. Management training, education and research: They form the basis of management education and research.

(Any four.)