The principles of management have the following characteristics or features : 

Universal Application : The principles of management are universal in nature. They are applicable to all kinds of organisations and situations. 

For example, the principle of unity of direction is widely applied to all types of activities and to all organisations. Similarly, the principle of division of work has found application in all kinds of organisations in order to achieve the benefits of specialization. However, the extent of division of work may vary from situation to situation.

General Guidelines : Management principles have been evolved by management thinkers out of their experience and analysis. That’s why, they have been expressed in the form of general statements. Management principles cannot be stated as exact as the principles of physical sciences. The obvious reason is that management principles deal with human beings. Thus, no manager can ever be sure about the behavior of human beings who have different backgrounds, perceptions and needs.

Developed by Practice and Experimentation : Many of the management principles have been developed by practitioners including Henry Fayol, F. W. Taylor and L. Urwick. 

For example, Henry Fayol suggested principles of general management as a result of practice and F.W. Taylor developed principles of scientific management by virtue of his practice and experimentation. In particular. Taylor conducted experiments on time study, motion study and fatigue study to increase the efficiency of workers and reduce their fatigue and Henry Fayol suggested the principles to create conducive environment for people at work.

Flexibility : The principles of management are flexible in nature. Refinements in principles can take place as per need of the situation faced. Thus, they must be accepted as flexible and dynamic guidelines and not as rigid or static rules. They can be accepted as ‘diagnostic guides’. The application of management principles depends upon specific situation being faced by the manager. They can be modified by the manager to meet the needs of the situation. 

For example, the principle of division of labor may not be applicable in small firms to the same extent as in large firms.

Influence Human Behavior: The principles of management are meant for influencing human behavior and getting higher performance from them. They guide them how to respond under different situations. 

For example, principles like division of work, unity of command, discipline, unity of direction, etc., help the managers to regulate the behavior of operative employees. However, because of complex nature of human behavior, management principles might have limited application.