Challenger App

No.1 PSC Learning App

1M+ Downloads

Which principle focuses on the practical manner in which decisions correspond to the existing situation?

APrinciple of Order

BPrinciple of Reality

CPrinciple of Investigation

DPrinciple of Prudence

Answer:

B. Principle of Reality

Read Explanation:

Principle of Reality in Administration

Definition and Core Concept:

  • The Principle of Reality, also known as the Principle of Practicality, emphasizes that administrative decisions and actions should be grounded in the actual circumstances and conditions of the situation at hand.
  • It dictates that solutions and policies must be feasible and workable within the existing environment, considering all its constraints and opportunities.

Key Aspects:

  • Contextual Relevance: Decisions must directly address the specific problem or need within its real-world context, rather than relying on abstract theories or ideals that may not be applicable.
  • Feasibility: The proposed course of action must be achievable with the available resources, time, and capabilities. It involves a pragmatic assessment of what can realistically be done.
  • Adaptability: Administrators guided by this principle are expected to be flexible and adjust their strategies based on how the situation evolves. This contrasts with rigid adherence to predetermined plans irrespective of changing realities.
  • Problem-Solving Focus: The ultimate aim is to find effective solutions that work in practice, leading to tangible outcomes and improvements.

Distinction from Other Principles:

  • This principle differs from purely theoretical or idealistic approaches that might propose solutions without considering their practical implementation.
  • It encourages a departure from 'ivory tower' administration towards a more hands-on, ground-level approach.

Relevance for Competitive Exams:

  • Understanding the Principle of Reality helps differentiate it from other administrative theories such as efficiency, bureaucracy, or scientific management, which may have different emphases.
  • Questions in exams often test the ability to identify which principle best fits a given scenario describing a practical administrative challenge.

Related Questions:

Which of the following statement(s) align(s) with E.N. Gladden’s definition of administration?

i. Administration involves caring for or managing affairs to achieve a conscious purpose.

ii. It is a cooperative human effort with a high degree of rationality.

iii. It focuses solely on the executive branch of government.

iv. It entails the systematic ordering of resources to prevent undesirable outcomes.

Which of the following is not one of the technological categories proposed by Joan Woodward?
Which organizational structure combines line authority with staff who advise and support?

Consider the statements regarding the Critiques leveled against the Classical Theory include:

I. It is overly concerned with organizational structure while neglecting the dynamics of employee motivation.

II. It wrongly assumes that administrative principles possess universal, context-free applicability.

III. It fails to account for the role of non-economic factors in motivating the workforce.

Which of the following statements are true?

According to Joan Woodward’s Contingency Theory, which of the following correctly matches the type of production system with its example?