IS MANAGEMENT IS AN ART, A SCIENCE AND A PROFESSION ?

IS MANAGEMENT IS AN ART, A SCIENCE AND A PROFESSION ?

 Management is treated as art, science and profession because it has some characteristics of an art, a science and a profession. Art is personal skill. It is created by nature. It does not posses by all. Art is bringing about desired results with the help of skills. Management is one of the most creative arts. It requires a lot of knowledge.

a.      Management is an art because:

v  It is creative

v   It involves use of skill.

v   It involves use of technical know how.

v  It is directed towards getting results.

v  It is personalised.

Art can be defined as systematic body of knowledge which requires skill, creativity and practice to get perfection.

The main features of art are:

1. Systematic body of knowledge/Existence of theoretical knowledge:

In every art there is systematic and organised study material available to acquire theoretical knowledge of the art. In management also there is systematic and organised body of knowledge available which can help in acquiring managerial studies.

2. Personalised application:

In the field of art only theoretical knowledge is not enough. Every artist must have personal skill and creativity to apply that knowledge.

In management also all managers learn same management theories and principles. But their efficiency depends on how well they use these principles under different situations by applying personal skills and creativity so this feature of art is also present in management.

3. Based on Practice and creativity:

The artist requires regular practice of art to become more fine and perfect. Without practice artists lose their perfection. Art requires creative practice, i.e., artist must add his creativity to the theoretical knowledge he has learned. Same way with experience managers also improves their managerial skills and efficiency. So this feature of art is also present in management.

Management: Both Science and Art:

Management is both science as well as art. Like science it has systematic and well- organised body of knowledge and like art it requires personal skill, creativity and practice to apply such knowledge in the best possible way. Science and art are not in contrast to each other; both exist together in every function of management.

b.      Management is a Science:

Science is a systematic body of knowledge based on certain principles and

which are universally approved.

F. W. Taylor was the first person who considered management as a science.

Science can be defined as a systematic and organised body of knowledge based on logically observed findings, facts and events.Science comprises of exact principles which can be verified and it can establish cause and effect relations.

Main characteristics/features of science are:

1. Systematic body of knowledge:

Like science in management also there is availability of systematic and organised study material. So first feature of science is present in management.

2. Scientific principles are derived on the basis of logical and scientific observations:

The scientists perform logical observation before deriving any principle or theory. They are very objective while doing the observations. But when managers are observing they have to observe human beings and observation of human being cannot be purely logical and objective.

3. Principles are based on repeated experiments:

Before developing scientific principles scientists test these principles under different conditions and places. Similarly, managers also test and experiment managerial principles under different conditions in different organisations. So this feature of science is present in management.

4. Universal Validity:

Scientific principles have universal application and validity. Management principles are not exact like scientific principles so their application and use is not universal. They have to be modified according to the given situation. So this feature of science is not present in management.

5. Replication is possible:

In science replication is possible as when two scientists are undertaking the same investigation working independently and treating the same data under the same conditions may desire or obtain the identical or exactly same result.

c.       Management as a Profession:

v  Profession is that occupation in which one professes to have acquired specialised knowledge, which is used either in instructing, guiding or advising others.

v  Body of Specialised knowledge and technique

v  Formalised Methods of Acquiring Training and experience

v  Establishment of representative professional Association Functions to be performed

v  Code of conduct

v  Priority of service over economic consideration

Management is a profession because:

Profession can be defined as an occupation backed by specialised knowledge and training, in which entry is restricted.

The main features of profession are:

1. Well defined Body of knowledge:

In every profession there is practice of systematic body of knowledge which helps the professionals to gain specialised knowledge of that profession. In case of management also there is availability of systematic body of knowledge.

2. Restricted Entry:

The entry to a profession is restricted through an examination or degree.Whereas there is no legal restriction on appointment of a manager, anyone can become a manager irrespective of the educational qualification.

 3. Presence of professional associations:

For all the professions, special associations are established and every professional has to get himself registered with his association before practising that profession.In case of management various management associations are set up at national and international levels which have some membership rules and set of ethical codes.

4. Existence of ethical codes:

For every profession there are set of ethical codes fixed by professional organisations and are binding on all the professionals of that profession. In case of management there is growing emphasis on ethical behaviour of managers.

5. Service Motive:

The basic motive of every profession is to serve the clients with dedication. Whereas basic purpose of management is achievement of management goal. But nowadays only profit maximisation cannot be the sole goal of an enterprise.