What does the non-compulsory membership of a professional association in management show?

Correct answer: Management has several professional features but is not a complete profession.

The governing concept is one limitation of management as a profession. Professional associations can promote specialised knowledge, professional development, ethical standards and exchange of best practices. However, if membership is voluntary rather than compulsory for every practising manager, the association cannot exercise universal control over entry and conduct. Option A is correct because this fact shows that management possesses several features of a profession but does not satisfy every condition of a full profession. Option B is too extreme because management does use specialised knowledge. Option C is false because training is available and useful, while Option D incorrectly denies the service motive. Hence voluntary association membership supports the conclusion that management is a partial profession.