Question

Which of the following is NOT considered a fundamental characteristic of administrative principles?

• A. They are based on observations and verification by scientists.
• B. They act as prime movers for the reasons and factors giving dignity to an organization.
• C. They are universally applicable across all administrative contexts.
• D. They are fixed and immutable statements that allow no room for adaptation.

Answer 1

Answer:

D. They are fixed and immutable statements that allow no room for adaptation.

Nature of Administrative Principles

Understanding the Characteristics

• Administrative principles are guidelines or rules that help in managing organizations effectively. They provide a framework for decision-making and action.
• Key figures like Henri Fayol, a renowned management theorist, proposed 14 principles of management, which are widely applicable in administrative contexts.
• These principles are generally descriptive rather than prescriptive, meaning they describe what usually works rather than dictating what *must* be done in every situation.
• They are intended to be flexible and adaptable to varying circumstances, organizational structures, and dynamic environments.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: A core characteristic is their capacity to be modified or adjusted based on the specific needs and context of a situation. This allows managers to apply them judiciously.
• Guidance, Not Rigid Laws: They serve as useful guides for action and decision-making, but they are not absolute laws that cannot be broken or modified.
• Situational Application: The effectiveness of an administrative principle often depends on the specific situation in which it is applied. What works in one organization or context might need modification in another.
• Evolutionary Nature: Principles can evolve over time as understanding of management and organizational behavior improves and as the business environment changes.

Why Some Statements Are NOT Characteristics

• A statement that claims administrative principles are fixed and immutable, allowing no room for adaptation, directly contradicts their inherent nature. Such a rigid stance would make them ineffective in the complex and ever-changing world of management.
• If principles were fixed, they would not be able to address the unique challenges and specific contexts that organizations face daily. This inflexibility would lead to poor decision-making and hinder organizational success.