Concept of Principles of management

A managerial principle is a broad and general guideline for decision making and behaviour.  Also, principal refers to a statement  which reflects fundamental truth about some phenomenon based on cause and effect relationship.

For example, while deciding about promotion of an employee one manager may consider seniority, whereas the other may follow the principle of merit.

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.

Management Principles	Pure science Principles
1- Very flexible.	1- Rigid
2- Applied with creativity.	2- Applied in absolute and static manner.
3- Have to be kept in pace with the changing environment.	3- Do not change with time.

For example, in the absence of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), a manager could oversee only a small work force within a narrow geographical space. The advent of ICT has expanded the capability of the managers to preside over large business empires spread across the globe. 

The principles of management should be distinguished from techniques of management. 

Techniques are procedures or methods, which involve a series of steps to be taken to accomplish desired goals.  Principles are guidelines to take decisions or actions while practicing techniques.

Management Principles versus Management techniques

Management Principles	Management techniques
1- Guidelines for actions.	1- Procedures which involve a protocol to accomplish a goal.
2- More flexible.	2- Less flexible.

Likewise, principles should also be understood as being distinct from values. Values are something, which are acceptable or desirable. They have moral connotations. Principles are basic truths or guidelines for behaviour. Values are general rules for behaviour of individuals in society formed through common practice whereas principles of management are formed after research in work situations, which are technical in nature. However, while practicing principles of management values cannot be neglected, as businesses have to fulfill social and ethical responsibilities towards society.

Management principles versus values

Management Principles	Values
1- Guidelines for managerial actions.	1- Guidelines for human behavior.
2- Technical in nature.	2- Ethical in nature.