The core difference lies in how they are applied: Management Principles are applied flexibly and creatively, considering human behavior, while scientific principles are applied rigidly or statically.
Principles of management and scientific management, while both aiming to improve effectiveness, differ fundamentally in their application method.
Based on the provided reference: "Management Principles are applied with creativity as these principles influence the behaviour of human being whereas scientific principles are applied in absolute or in static manner".
This highlights a key distinction:
- Management Principles: These guidelines are not rigid rules. They are designed to influence and guide human behavior within an organization. Because people and situations vary, applying these principles requires judgment, adaptation, and creativity. Think of principles like 'Unity of Command' or 'Equity' – how they are implemented depends heavily on the specific context and the people involved. They are flexible tools.
- Scientific Principles: In contrast, scientific principles, often derived from natural sciences (like physics or chemistry), are universal and applied consistently without deviation. A scientific law holds true under specific conditions regardless of who is applying it or the human element involved. The reference describes this as being applied in an "absolute or in static manner".
Application Method Comparison
Here's a simple comparison based on the reference:
| Feature | Principles of Management | Scientific Principles |
|---|---|---|
| Application Style | Applied with creativity; Flexible | Applied in an absolute or static manner; Rigid |
| Primary Focus | Influencing human behavior | Often dealing with natural laws or static systems |
Practical Implications
This difference in application means:
- When applying management principles, managers must consider the specific context, the individuals involved, and the organizational culture. What works in one situation might need adjustment in another.
- Applying scientific principles (in their pure form) does not require such contextual adaptation related to human factors; the outcome is predictable based on the principle itself.
Essentially, management principles serve as broad guidelines requiring skillful adaptation, much like an artist uses colors creatively, whereas scientific principles are more like fixed formulas applied consistently for predictable results in a non-human context.
